When
the Assistants of the Prison, came as usual with his Victuals, they
began to examine his Irons; to their great Surprize they found them
loose, and ready to be taken off at Pleasure. Mr. _Pitt_ the Head
Keeper, and his Deputies were sent for, and _Sheppard_ finding this
Attempt entirely frustrated, discover'd to them by what means he had got
them off; and after they had search'd him, found nothing, and Lock'd
and Chain'd him down again; He took up the Nail and unlocked the Padlock
before their Faces; they were struck with the greatest Amazement as
having never heard, or beheld the like before. He was then Handcuff'd,
and more effectually Chain'd.
The next Day, the Reverend Mr. _Purney Ordinary_ of the Place came from
the Country to visit him, and complain'd of the sad Disposition he found
him in, as Meditateing on nothing, but Means to Escape, and declining
the great Duty incumbent upon him to prepare for his approaching Change.
He began to Relent, and said, that since his last Effort had prov'd not
Successful, he would entertain no more Thoughts of that Nature, but
entirely Dispose, and Resign himself to the Mercy of Almighty God, of
whom he hop'd to find forgiveness of his manifold Offences.
He said, that _Edgworth Bess_ and himself kept a little Brandy-shop
together in _Lewkenhors-Lane_, and once sav'd about Thirty Pounds; but
having such an universal Acquaintance amongst Theives, he had frequent
calls to go _Abroad_, and soon quitted that Business, and his Shop.
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