The Third and Last Part of Conny-Catching. (1592) eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 43 pages of information about The Third and Last Part of Conny-Catching. (1592).

The Third and Last Part of Conny-Catching. (1592) eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 43 pages of information about The Third and Last Part of Conny-Catching. (1592).

A Crew of these wicked companions, being one day met togither in Pauls Church (as that is a usual place of their assemblie, both to determin on their drifts, as also to speed of many a bootie) seeing no likelihood of a good afternoone, so they tearme it either fore-noone or after, when ought is to be done:  some dispersed themselves to the plaies, other to the bowling allies and not past two or three stayed in the Church.  Quoth on of them, I have vowed not to depart, but something or other Ile haue before I go:  my minde giues me, that this place yet will yeelde us all our suppers this night, the other holding like opinion with him, there likewise walked vp and downe, looking when occasion would serue for some Cash.  At length they espyed a Gentleman towarde the lawe entring in at the little North doore, and a countrey Clyent going with him in verye hard talke, the Gentleman holding his gowne open with his armes on eyther side as very manie doe, gaue sight of a faire purple velvet purse, which was halfe put vnder his girdle:  which I warrant you the resolute fellow that would not depart without some thing, had quicklye espyed.  A game, quote hee to his fellows, marke the stand, and so separating themselves walked aloofe, the Gentleman going to the nether steppe of the staires that ascend vp into the Quire, and there he walked still with his client.  Oft this crew of mates met together, and said there was no hope of nipping the bong because he held open his gowne so wide, and walked in such an open place.  Base knaves, quoth the frolik fellowe, if I say I will have it, I must have it, though hee that owes it had sworne the contrarie.  Then looking aside, hee spyed his trugge or queane comming vppe the Church:  away, quoth hee to the other, go looke you for some other purchase, this wench and I are suffient for this.  They goe, he lessons the drab in this sort, that shee should to the Gentleman, whose name shee verye well knew, in that shee had holpe to coosen him once before, & pretending to be sent to him from one he was well acquainted with for his councell should give him his fee for auoiding suspition, & so frame some wrong done hir as well inough she could:  when her mate (taking occasion as it serued) would woorke the meane, shee should strike, & so they both prevaile.  The queane well inured with such courses, because she was one of the most skilful in that profession, walked up and downe alone in the Gentlemans sight, that he might discerne shee stayed to speake with him, and as he turned toward her, hee saw her take money out of her purse, whereby hee gathered some benefite was toward him:  which made him the sooner dispatch his other clyent, when shee stepping to him, told such a tale of commendations from his verie friend, that had sent her to him as she said, that hee entertained her very kindly, and giving him his fee, which before her face he put up into his purse, and thrust under his girdle againe:  she proceeded to a very sound

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The Third and Last Part of Conny-Catching. (1592) from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.