A Second DISCOVERY OF Hind's Exploits: OR A fuller Relation of his Ramble, Robberies, and Cheats in England, Ireland, Scotland, with his Voyage to Holland. Wherein is set forth the notorious Villainies of Thiefs and High-Way-Men. Full of Delight, and may serve as a Guide to Gentlemen and Travellers, to avoid their Treacheries. Cantabit vacuus coram latrone Viator. LONDON, Printed for William Ley, and are to be sold at his shop at Paul's Chain. 1652. Two men, one having captured the other by looping a rope or cane around his neck. Also depictions of two towns, labeled Lon and Yorke. The Preface TO THE READER. Courteous Reader, HAving lately perused a little Book, called HIND's Ramble, or a History of his pranks and Exploits, and finding many of his Knaveries undiscovered, I thought good to publish to the World these ensuing Stories of him as a sec●nd part, to give Gentlemen and Travellers direction to avoid many dangers, which they may fall into: and to give you, as near as I can, a more perfect character of him. This James Hind was by his Country, Glocestershire, his former profession a Butcher, which, had he not been drawn away with ill company, might have maintained him in an honest way: For Sleights and stratagems none can parallel him: he may be called a Master in the Art of Thievery, as the cunningest and wisest of the Company, for difficult and dangerous Thefts; he hath the Theory and Practic of the Art: He hath not his name for nought: for when mounted, he is as swift as a Hind, as rapacious as an Eagle, nothing comes amiss: and to palliate all these, he is a fine companion, facetious and witty: and to be short, he hath more tricks then a hundred of his fraternity: so much for his character. And thus, courteous Reader, have I given a true relation, in this various and pleasant History, of the wicked policies of HIND and his Companions, that thou may be forewarned of unhappily falling into their dangers; also it may serve as a warning piece to those that are wickedly inclined, that they may be led from the Precipice of Perdition into the safe way of Virtue and Honesty. The second Discovery of HINDE's Exploits. BEING A full Relation of his Robberies, Cozenage, and Escapes. 1 How Hind being left alone, and most of his Crew dispersed by a Hue and Cry, not having his own horse, and in distress for money, robbed five Gentlemen as they were riding to a wedding; and how he was taken Prisoner. HIND having intelligence of a great Feast made by a Country Gentleman, where were many Gentlemen to meet, who lived some four, or six, or ten miles off the place appointed, there being a wedding, or some such like occasion, takes his Horse in the morning, and coasting the Country, meets with a Gentleman and his man riding towards the foresaid House, bids them Stand, and without much dispute the Gentleman delivers him 20. pounds in Gold, thinking it better to scape with a whole skin, then lose his money, and be beaten to boot. By that time they were parted comes to his view an ancient Penifather, with his only heir, who one would not have thought would have parted with their money so quietly: Hind knowing 'twas not time for him to dally, bids them Stand, sets his pistol to the breast of the young gallant; the old man being struck with a panic fear, cries out, Save his life, and take his money, which was quickly done, together with his Sword; and than it came to the old man's turn to deliver, who was as ready to give as he to ask: their pockets being both emptied, Hind threw the young gallant his Sword again, and bade him learn to make better use of it, and draw it as occasion was offered. But the old man, willing to save the credit of his son, resolved to make no words of it, and the gentleman before (being rob) had taken the same resolution also, that the Ladies should not laugh at their hard fortune. Hind immediately taking another road, meets another Gentleman riding to the same house, and he resolving to make his forenoons work worth his labour, bids him Stand, the Gentleman drew, Hind shown him his pistol; You may thank that for your prize (quoth the Gentleman,) your sword should not have won my money. At which gallantry Hind was well pleased, and gave him five of his fifteen pieces back again. By this time Hind thought his morning's work was over, it growing towards dinner time intended to march towards his Comradoes, who were dispersed by a Hue and Cry, which followed them three days before for another Robbery: and having not his own horse under him, thought it not best to stay too long thereabouts: Having no sooner taken this resolution, but he spies another young Gentleman (supposed to be a younger Brother) upon a good Gelding riding that way; Hind being full of confidence, resolved to take his Money and be gone, bids him Stand, at which word the Gentleman dismounts, and draws his sword; quoth Hind, Shall I be troubled more with thee, than all that be gone before? Since thou art so gallant, thou shalt have fair play for thy Money: puts up his pistol, dismounts also, and draws his sword; and having made a close or two, neither being wounded, Hind would as willingly have been rid of his Gamester, as the Gentleman would have been of him; But ere they could agree on the matter, came riding an old Gentleman with a surly Servingman, who knew the engaged Gentleman, and was quickly off his Horse with his sword drawn; Quoth Hind, We are two fair gamesters, we need no third man: Yes always, quoth the Servingman, at in and in, which I suppose is your sport; With that the Gentleman made a close with Hind, and quickly the Servingman had his hand in Hinde's pocket, but drew forth nought but his pistol, at which Hind yielded himself Prisoner. 2 How Hind, after he was taken prisoner by the last Gentleman and Servingman, was carried to Dinner with them, where he met with all those he had rob that morning; and after much pleasant discourse, gave them the slip with a good gelding worth 50 pounds. Hind being taken prisoner by the young Gentleman and Serving man, thought it good to go quietly with them, that so be might be the better able to make an escape when he saw occasion; and said, Sir, I am now your prisoner, pray let me know whither you are riding; Quoth he, but to a Gentleman's house about two miles off, to dine with some friends, whither I intent you shall march; Quoth Hind, I believe there be some gentlemen gone before will be glad to see me. You shall be civilly used, quoth the Gentleman, and dine with us, and then shall I deliver you to the Justice. They being come to the house, Dinner being set, the Master of the House saluted Hind, and bade him welcome, as the young Gentleman's friend, and caused him to sit down at Table; Hind takes a glass of wine in his hand, and drinks to all the Company, especially to those of his acquaintance (as he called them) whom he had rob in the morning. Quoth the old Penifather, Couldst thou not be content with so good a breakfast, but must thou come and affront my son and me at Dinner? At which words the whole business was understood, and the one said, he was rob of so much, and another of so much, and all acknowledged what they had lost. I thank ye all Gentlemen, quoth Hind, for my breakfast; but I am most engaged to this Gentleman, for he would not let me pass till he brought me to a plentiful Dinner. Much mirth passed at the Table, and Hind fitted them with very good discourse for the day; That pleased the company so well, that each man endeavoured to show him what favour they could; so that after Dinner they took him out into the Court, where the Master of the House had a gallant young Gelding, never backed before that day, which was very unruly, and had thrown two or three Riders; quoth Hind, if it please you Gentlemen to give me leave, I shall bring this Gelding to a pace in a quarter of an hour; There being a high wall round the yard, none mistrusted his intention; he mounts the Gelding with the Master's leave, and was commended by all the Gentlemen for a very good horseman; having sufficiently chafed and madded the mettalsom Beast, and spying a little broken place in the wall, with a full carrier leapt the gelding over, and turning about, said, I thank you all Gentlemen for my Breakfast and Dinner, but I must sup above forty miles off this night. So the Clerk lost his labour in making his Mittimus, and his Master a Gelding worth fifty pounds. 3 How Hind cozened an Innkeeper, by pretending himself to be some great Lord, to the value of threescore pounds. THere is no game comes amiss, but Hind hath skill in it; in his low Estate he hath his conceits, and now he is a pretended Lord, here we shall show you how he sends some of his Comradoes in the habit of Servingmen to take up a Lodging for their Master in an Inn, telling that he was a great Lord, and was desirous to lie there about some business; but withal they told him he must have extraordinary fare, as Rabbits and Chickens, and all other dainties, no Butcher's meat would go down with him; and to colour the business, he sent him two great iron bound chests, with strong locks, and mailed with cords, and gave order they should be put in the best room in the House, as if there had been some rich business in it; So when the Lodging was fitted, the next day comes in Hind like a great Lord, or Don of Spain, and was welcomed by the Host with a great deal of respect and honour; nothing was omitted that might any way give him content: And thus he continued for some certain time; for he went out upon his Robbery, and came in again in his Coach, and none suspected or mistrusted; and when he thought he had lain there long enough, for fear of discovery he took an occasion to borrow threescore pounds of his Host, pretending some extraordinary business; the credulous Host believes him, and lends it him, he having (as he thought) such good security; But (the Bird being now flegged, it is time to take wing and be gone,) Hind goes out in the morning in his Coach, but was too wise to come any more there: he is expected at night, but no Lord comes, his Lordship was gone another progress; he stays a week, and appears not; a Month expires, and he is not seen: At last the Host gins to be jealous, and mistrusts, That all is not gold that glisters; He now gins to think, there's some Knavery; and (to be short) calls a Constable, and he sits ready to take an Inventory of the goods in the chests; The two great Chests are unmailed, or uncorded, the Locks are broken open; which being done, alas then his grief appears; For in stead of rich treasure, he finds nothing but two Chests full of stones and old rubbish crammed together. 4 How Hind cozened a Merchant in Holland of 300 Crowns, by giving a counterfeit chain for a pledge. THis jovial Gamester, Hind, being in Holland, having spent his Money, casts his wits about how to recrute himself; and you know good workmen never want their tools: You may remember I told you how he served the Innkeeper, just almost in the same manner he beguiles the Dutchman; He goes after the fashion of a Gallant, the better to set a gloss upon his Knavery; he hath his man to wait upon him; and by his gallant garb insinuates into a rich Merchant's acquaintance; makes the World believe he hath brought the wealth of the Indies with him; he pretends he hath great wealth, and happy were he that could be acquainted with him, for it is the nature of the Dutchmen to strike sail for their own profit, to offer any Kindness where they perceive they may be any way a gainer: Amongst the rest, a Merchant of no mean quality perceiving his deportment, invites him to his house; this gudgeon with little entreaty quickly swallows the bait, and accepts his proffer; when come to his House the Merchant entertains him with a great deal of civility; Hind pretends to send one of his men to his two chests, which were aboard of a ship in the Key, for some Money, which made the Merchant say, Sir, I much wonder you being a stranger dare trust your wealth in such a place; if you please sir, my house shall be at your pleasure. But Hind takes an occasion upon discourse to pull out of a Box a Chain of pure gold before the Merchant, which he much admiring, said, Sir, you need not want Money so long as you have this to engage. Hind replied, I should be loath to engage it but upon on necessity, which I am now driven to; For although I have Money, yet I cannot command it, because I must pay it presently upon a Bill of exchange: Sir, replied the Merchant, I shall befriend you so far as to lend you so much money as you have occasion for: Which proffer Hind as modestly denied, yet with a kind of willing unwillingness he kindly accepted his courtesy, and presently called for his man to take the Chain, and see what the Goldsmith would value it at, and to bring a Test under his hand. The Merchant as seeming unwilling to receive his Chain as a pledge, replied, Good Sir do not trouble yourself so, I dare take your word for more than this sum; (yet his fingers itched to be fingering of this pawn;) Hind the more puts it upon him, seeing his unwillingness to receive it;) Well Sir, saith the Merchant, seeing it is your pleasure, my man shall go with your servant to see the value of it at the Goldsmiths. Hind calls his man, delivers him the Chain, and together they go, and bring a Test under the Goldsmith's hand, who finds it right and rich. Now Hind had played his game so, that he had provided his man with another Chain of brass gilded, of the same weight to a grain, that you could not know the one from the other; and coming home, delivers the brass Chain and Ticket to Hind; Hind delivers them to the Merchant, he looks upon it, finds it (to his thinking) the same, sees nothing to the contrary: So Hind receives his 300 Crowns, and when they had dined and talked, Hind and his man took their leaves for the present, as pretending to go about business, but never returned to redeem his Chain, but left the Merchant to repent him of his dear bought purchase. 5 How Hind and his Myrmidons rob a Company of Tories in Ireland. WHen Hind was in his progress in Ireland, he would sometimes scout out, and lurk about for a prey, with the rest of his Comradoes, and by chance he met two or three Tories, who had got a prize of Money and Plunder, and were returning to their Fastues, or Quarters, but they had not so good luck with it as they expected, for Hind and his Myrmidons fall in to them, and make them believe they were of their profession, as indeed they were, but in another way; but one of the Tories had a jealous mind that Hind was not a true Brother, whereupon he asked him what he was: What am I, quoth Hind? A Brother of the Blade, and that thou shalt know before we part; therefore deliver, or believe it, this sword shall speak other language than you expect. The Gentlemen were much amazed at this unexpected answer; They asked him, what he meant? What do I mean? I mean to try a touch whether or no that Money you have shall be yours or ours; and to't they went; but Hind so played his game that he made them be glad to be rid of him upon such conditions as he liked, and they disliked, which was, to leave their Money behind them, and go home by the weeping cross, and cry, O hone, O hone! How Hind, having lost his horse, rob a Countryman in Glocestershire, by laughing. Hind upon a time having lost his horse, meeting with a Countryman in Glocestershire; the Countryman being a pretty nimble fellow got away from him: but Hind he as cunning, seeing he could not overtake take him, fell a laughing hearty, which made the Country-fellow return; thinking him to be some old acquaintance of his grown out of remembrance, that in jest had pursued him, returned back towards him; still Hind laughed at his seeming acquaintance, till the fellow came within danger, that he surprised him, and took ten pound away from him, but gave him twenty shillings again, and told him, Believe me not when I laugh again. How Hind rob a Butcher in Yorkshire, by drawing him from his Company by discourse, and keeping pace with his horse. Hind coming into Yorkshire in the West-riding, met with a company of Butchers, which were going to a Fair to buy some ; he hearing them discourse of their business, and what each party had to bestow, he gins to take acquaintance of the chiefest of them, and telling him he was of the same fraternity, and in that he lied not, for he had been a Butcher, and therefore could discourse exactly of their profession; so cunningly did he disguise his knavery, and in his discourse being not mistrusted, he trotted pretty hard before the rest; the Butcher whom he singled out strived to keep pace with him, to hold discourse with him, till Hind seeing his opportunity, and being a pretty way from the Company, said to the Butcher, Friend, I must require you to deliver your purse; the Butcher denied: he presently presents his Pistol before him, which startled the Butcher, and made him deliver his money unto him, the sum being eighty pound, and so sent the Butcher to his fellows again. How Hind, in the habit of a servingman, robbed a Traveller of 15.l. by laying a Cloak-bag in the highway. ALL Professors have some more excellent in the Art then another, and this Hind he is in his profession, as sometimes he went in the habit of a Gentleman of great fortunes, sometimes in poor habit, and sometimes in a servingman's habit: It fortuned, that lying in wait for some booty, sent out one of his gang that laid a Cloak-bag in the highway, where Travellers must of necessity come by, where one coming by, seeing the Cloak-bag lie in the way, lighted from his horse, and went to take up the Cloak-bag; presently Hind steps to him, and takes and robs him of fifteen pounds: this he did in the habit of a servingman. How Hind put a trick upon a Dutch Mountebank in Holland. NOw Hind being in Holland, and wanting money, being in a strange Country, he had nor that Command as he had in England, and to rob on the highway as in England, hearing of a rich Mountebank that went about quacking of it, how he went never without store of money, his name was Henrick van Wields, he was something fortunate in Cures, therefore by every one desired: this Mountebank going to visit his sick Patients in divers parts of the City, having received divers sums of money for his particular Cures, was watched by this Hind, and as he passed through a by-street, he runs to him as in great haste, and salutes him in a kind manner, thus; Sir, I have heard much of your renown in Cures of dangerous consequence, and since it is my happiness to meet with you, I live not far from this place, if you please to go along with me to my house, I have a wife much troubled with a Flux in her belly for these fourteen days, and you by your experience may do her much good, if you please to give her a visit; I humbly request you to go along with me, and what content you desire, I shall willingly satisfy. This Bell sounded well in his ears: well, he goes with Hind to his lodging, and in the way he gives Hind comfortable answer, saying, God forbidden I should neglect that little skill I have to do your wife any good I can: Upon these Compliments Hind leads him from one street to another, till at last he got him within his lodging, which was so contrived, that it was some distance from other houses; having locked the door upon him, he takes in one hand a Pistol, in the other a great empty purse, and furiously looking upon the Mountebank, he said, Sir, here is my wife, (meaning the empty Purse,) she hath been a long time troubled with a Flux in her belly, and you are the only man that can only remedy and find out a means to cure this disease; else I myself, by the help of this pistol, am resolved to remedy it. This Mountebank seeing himself thus cunningly and suddenly surprised, began suddenly to cry out, but was presently silencd by the sight of the pistol, was fain for fear to let go his own purse to cure that purse which had the flux; but according to his wont charity, seeing the man in this trembling condition, he restored him some part of his Money again, promised to convey him to his Lodging, and did with his pistol cockd, for fear of an outcry, and in the mid way left him and his lodging both together. How Hind and his Crew rob a gentleman of whom he had borrowed money, and how Hind released him again. NOw Hind having been in distress, and borrowed Money of a Gentleman of his acquaintance, who knew not his manner and course of life; it fortuned this Gentleman travelling chanced to meet with this Hind and his Companions as he was crossing a wood; he was set upon by them, and rob of all his Money, Besides, some of them were so cruel, that they would have killed him; but Hind remembered his former courtesies, and told them, Friends, we will spare his life, and provide for our own safety; So carrying him into a thicket, they there tied him to the body of a tree, and so left him; but Hind spied his opportunity, and bid the Gentleman not to fear, for he would come and release him; so Hind and his Comradoes went their way, and parted their booty; but after some time he returns, and unbinds him, and restores him his part of the prize. How Hind and his Comradoes rob a company of Thiefs of an hundred pounds. THere was a certain Company of mad Blades, having spent their patrimony, the next work they take in hand is, God damn them, they would go take a purse too, to maintain them in their luxurious courses; and combined together to take the next opportunity: So it was the ill fortune of a Gentleman in Lincolnshire to be surprised by these Gallants of all his money; when they had their booty, they went out of that County, and came to an Inn where Hind used to be; so there they were very frollique and merry; and Hind observing their actions, he stood where they were to go away, and which way they were to go, he takes Horse with the rest of his Companions, and way lays them, and at the foot of an Hill they bid them Stand, and deliver: The Youngsters were much startled at it, and cry out, Why, we are your friends: What, Thiefs fall out? We will fall in, saith Hind; and so fell upon them, and took all the money they rob the Lincolnshire Gentleman of, and their own, and left them, and away Hind crossed the Country. How Hind cozened an Innkeeper in Oxfordshire. HInd had many shifts, when put to a pinch, he sent some of his Comrades in the habit of Servingmen to take up lodging for their master in an Inn, telling the Innkeeper there was a great Lord to lie there about some business for some time, and wished him to provide the best cheer could be devized, for he cared not for Butcher's meat: and to colour the business, he sent two great iron chests bound and corded about, as if some rich treasure were in them, and gave order they should be set in the best room in the house; so when the lodging was fitted, the next day came in Hind like a great Lord, or Don of Spain, in his coach, attended by two Lackeys and two Servingmen, having extraordinary respect from the Master of the house, and so continued for a certain time, going in and out upon his robberies, but (having been there about a month, paying for what he had) the Host mistrusted nothing, he coming in and out in his coach in that manmer: Hind took an occasion to borrow threescore pounds of his H●st, pretending some extraordinary business, and goes out in the morning in his coach, but came in no more: his Host thought he had been gone into the country and would return again, and consequently mistrusted not, because he conceived he had so good a pledge: but after he had been about a month absent, he made bold to open the chests, wherein was nothing but stones and brickbats: so Hind had royal entertainment and money to boot. How Hind robbed a man and his wife near Burford, and took all their money from them. A Gentleman and his wife were travelling on their way to Burford, and Hind understanding that he had store of money, he beset him, and bid him deliver his purse; the Gentleman contested with him, with his sword drawn, Hind draws his pocket pistol, and swore if he would not deliver he would pistol him: the woman she cries out good husband deliver your money: the man what between Hinds threats, and his wife's cries and entreaties, Hind had the money delivered unto him: being a quarter of a mile off, the Gentleman comes into, and raises the Town, but Hind was gone another way, and by the swiftness of his horse, got clear from his pursuers. How Hind escaped being closely followed with a Hue and Cry for a great robbery that he had done in the habit of a Country Grazier. HInd having done a great robbery in Darbyshire, and thinking himself secure, betook himself to an Inn, wh●ch are as sanctuaries to robbers; and staying there somewhat longer than his time, he was pursued into the town by some horsemen; he knowing the matter, got his horse out of the stable, and took a back way, having on a grey coat in the habit of a Grazier: after he had been some time gone, the pursuers had intelligence which way he went, his horse being almost weary, they came within sight of him, and perceived him to take into a field where were some horses at grass, in which he no sooner came but he pulled off his saddle and bridle, and threw them into a ditch with his sword and pistol, and turned up his horse to grass, pulled off his own coat and turned it, which was black within, and with a Priest's girdle he had in his pocket girt it to him, taking a little book out of his pocket, and walking under a hedge, as if he had been in study for a Sermon: this was no sooner done, but his pursuers came to the place; seeing as they thought a Divine in meditation, courteously desired of him if he saw any man come riding that way; Yes quoth Hind, with much speed in a grey coat, and the colour of his horse was much like that yonder you see at grass, pointing to his own horse: he was the man, quoth they, pray which way did he tak●? he took the hedge quoth H●nd; I suppose if you ride hard you may take him e'er he comes to the next Town; they all gave him thanks, and with much speed hasted the way he directed them; when they were gone, Hind laughed at their credulity, and taking his horse saddled him again, and road his way. How Hind robbed a Gentleman of his Watch on the highway, and how friendly they parted. HInd, as his custom was, costing the Country, being never out of his way, meets with a Gentleman; quoth Hind, pray Sir how far ride you this way? the Gentleman answered to Coventry, I shall rejoice in your company, quoth Hind, I thank you sir said the gentleman, for there is some danger in this road, for seldom a week passes but one or other is robbed near this place, but the best on't is, I have no money to lose, if I can keep my Watch I care not, I have been twice or thrice in danger of losing it already: Hind hearing that the Gentleman had no money, thought it best to take what he could get, and look for some other companion: I pray sir, quoth he, what time of the day think you it is by your Watch? that you shall know presently, quoth the Gentleman, and looking on the same, said it's near eleven? p●ay let me see, quoth Hind? the Gentleman gave him the Watch into his hand, it's true indeed quoth Hind; and putting the Watch into his pocket, said, I should have been ten miles off e'er this time, and you must mend your pace if you will keep me company; but however I shall have a care of your Watch that it take no hurt, for it never was in so much danger: so he took his leave of the gentleman, and bid him tell his friends he had been in the company of james Hind. How Hind cheated a Lawyer of his Watch. HInd meeting with a Lawyer in a Tavern near the road, fell into company and were very merry together, Hind perceiving the Lawyer had a Watch in his pocket (by the key and string hanging out) made bold with it, which the Lawyer soon after missed and inquired after, wherup on Hind restored it to him again, with this Poetical compliment. A Watch in Tavern lost? Oh, that's a crime: See how in drinking men do lose their time: The string hung out, and you forgot to lock it, And so the Watch did slip out of your pocket. If you would keep your Watch, thus must you do; Pocket your Watch, but watch your pocket too. FINIS.