This fellow was so puffed up with the reputation he had got amongst his companions in the same miserable occupation, that he fancied no expedition impracticable which he thought fit to engage, and indeed the boldness of his attempts had so often given him success that there is no wonder a fellow of his small parts and education should conceive so highly of himself.  It was nothing for Hawes singly to rob a coach full of gentlemen, to stop two or three persons on the highway at a time, or to rob the waggons in a line as they came on the Oxford Road to London, nor was there any of the little prisons or Bridewells that could hold him.

There was, however, an adventure of Natt’s of this kind that deserves a particular relation.  He had, it seems, been so unlucky as to be taken and committed to New Prison,[14] on suspicion of robbing two gentlemen in a chaise coming from Hampstead.  Hawes viewed well the place of his confinement, but found it much too strong for any attempts like those he was wont to make.  In the same place with himself and another man mere was a woman very genteelly dressed, who had been committed for shoplifting.  This woman seemed even more ready to attempt something which might get her out of that confinement than either Hawes or her other companion.  The latter said it was impracticable, and Natt that though he had broken open many a prison, yet he saw no probability of putting this in the number.

Well, said the woman have you courage enough to try, if I put you in the way?  Yes, quoth Hawes, there’s nothing I won’t undertake for liberty; and said the other fellow, If I once saw a likelihood of performing it, there’s nobody has better hands at such work than myself.  In the first place, said this politician in petticoats, we must raise as much money amongst us as will keep a very good fire.  Why truly, replied Hawes, a fire would be convenient in this cold weather, but I can’t, for my heart, see how we should be nearer our liberty for it, unless you intend to set the gaol in flames.  Tush!  Tush! answered the woman, follow but my directions, and let’s have some faggots and coals, and I warrant you by to-morrow morning we shall be safe oat of these regions. The woman spoke this with so much assurance that Hawes and the other man complied, and reserving but one shilling, laid out all their money in combustibles and liquor.  While the runners of the prison were going to and fro upon this occasion, the woman seemed so dejected that she could scarce speak, and the two men by her directions sat with the same air as if the rope already had been about them at Tyburn.  At last, as they were going to be locked up; Pray, says the woman, with a faint voice, Can’t you give me something like a poker?  Why, yes, says one of the fellows belonging to the gaol, if you’ll give me twopence, I’ll bring you one of the old bars that was taken out of the window when these new ones were put in. The woman gave him the halfpence, he delivered the bar, and the keepers having locked them up, barred and bolted the doors, and left them until next morning.