ows who were rifling the man on the footwalk, and, with the
heavy stick which he always carried during his nocturnal perambulations,
laid them both prostrate beside their victim. The remainder of the gang
seeing this, turned from the pursuit of the watchmen, and rushed upon
him; but, calling to the fugitives, he contrived to dart through his
assailants, without receiving any injury save a contusion on the left
shoulder. Another watchman who had heard the rattles, at this moment
came; the two who were running off, hearing their superintendent's
voice, had returned, and all four now faced the gang, who, however,
fearing that the odds would soon be against them, fled, leaving one of
their number a prisoner in the grasp of Mr. Shipp, in addition to the
two whom he had prostrated, and who were then slowly recovering. The
victim of plunder had already recovered his legs. Mr. Shipp now learned
that he was a respectable tradesman of the town, who was returning home
from a Christmas festivity with his wife, when he was assailed by a gang
of thieves, who, finding that he resisted stoutly, struck him to the
ground. The cries of the lady brought the watchmen, one after another,
to the spot. The first was knocked down, and the two others, after
receiving a few blows, were running off in search of more assistance,
when their superintendent arrived in time to prevent the villains from
effecting their object.

Mr. Shipp was one evening taking a glass of wine with a few friends at
the King's Arms, one of the principal inns in Liverpool, when suddenly a
strange tumult was heard in the house, and sounds of feet passing
rapidly along the floors. At first the party took no notice of the
matter; but, a still more strange and unusual sound reaching their ears,
they gazed at each other in silence and amazement. Suspense to Shipp
being always intolerable, he rose at once, and, followed by his
companions, rushed into the passage, which was a spacious apartment.
Here they were met by vociferations of "Go back! go back! Mr. Shipp, and
shut your door." The advice was instantly followed by every one, save
Shipp alone, who, with that firm nerve that enabled him to face death in
various shapes, remained outside, where a melancholy spectacle met his
eyes. In the middle of the hall, just opposite the large window of the
bar, where a crowd of servants had taken refuge, and from whence they
called loudly for help, stood a grey-headed man, apparently about