from many parts of it, gave it attractions to those who
could live out of town. It was, amongst other things, proposed, I
recollect, to have as protection, large and sonorous bells put up on the
tops of the houses, so that on the least alarm of thieves, the bells
might be rung to arouse the neighbours. Such precautions will be laughed
at now-a-days, but something was necessary to be done at that time, when
policemen were unknown, and personal protection was by no means much
regarded. It was no uncommon circumstance for persons who had occasion
to go out at night, to carry a brace of pistols with them; but whether
they would have had courage to use them or not, I cannot say, but the
fact of having such things at hand were crumbs of comfort to timid
people.

I dare say many of my readers will remember having seen in old carriages
and gigs, a sort of round projection at the back, forming a recess from
the inside of the vehicle. These boxes were used for the purpose of
depositing therein a sword and pistols, so that they might be ready at
hand in case of necessity.

The extent to which robbery was committed in Liverpool at this period,
may be judged by the following circumstance, which many may still
remember. On the particulars being made public people were completely
terrified at the state to which things had arrived, and several families
living in the suburbs, seriously thought of returning to reside in the
town again.

About the month of August, 1816, an old woman was seen prowling
constantly about the vicinity of Mr. J. A. Yates' house, in Toxteth Park.
She made a great many inquiries about the members of that gentleman's
family, whether there were men servants in the house, and whether a dog
was kept. In fact, she made herself fully acquainted with Mr. Yates'
domestic arrangements. This was thought nothing of at the time, but the
old crone's curiosity was recalled to mind after the event took place,
which I shall briefly mention.

On the night of Friday, 16th August, 1816, about ten o'clock, six men
wearing masks, and armed with pistols, might have been seen approaching
Mr. Yates' house. Two of them took their position outside as sentinels
to give alarm to their companions, if necessary. The other four
approached the back of the premises, and entered the house. Passing
through the scullery they went into the kitchen, where they found a
servant-maid and a footman. Threatening them with instant death if t