If it wasn't for my crippled foot I'd be out
every night now."
Old Tom, the much-imprisoned man, never goes out with a gang now, but
his influence is potent. He is the romantic poacher, and many a man has
been set on by him. Observe that the best of these night thieves are on
perfectly friendly terms with the keepers. If they are taken, they
resign themselves to fate, and bear no ill-will. It is a game, and if
the keeper makes a good move he is admired--and forgiven.
Six regular poachers come daily to The Chequers, but there are many
others hanging around who are merely amateurs. One queer customer with
whom I have stayed out many nights is the despair of the keepers. His
resource is inexhaustible, and his courage is almost admirable. Let me
say--with a blush if you like--that I am a skilful poacher, and my
generalship has met with approval from gentlemen who have often seen the
inside of Her Majesty's prisons. Alas!
One day I was much taken with the appearance of a beautiful fawn bitch,
which lay on the seat in the room which is used by the most shady men in
the district.
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