Jonathan Wild

e Count and Master Wild, with

e readers that these gentlemen, who knew each other to be thieves, should never once give the least hint of this knowledge in all their discourse together, but, on the contrary, should have the words honesty, honour, and

er of the Miss Snaps, ever since his confinement, though he could not prevail with her to set him at liberty. Wild answered, with a smile, “It was no wonder a woman should wish to confine her lover where she might be sure of having him entirely to herself;” but added, he believed he could tell him a method of certainly procuring his escape. The count eagerly besought him to acquaint him with it. Wild told him bribery was the surest means, and advised

rving the prodigious force of habit; for though the count knew if he won ever so much of Mr. Wild he should not receive a shilling, yet coul

She need not fear losing her place, for it would never be found out; that they could throw a pair of sheets into the street, by which it might appear he got out at a window; that he himself would swear he saw him descending; that the money would be so much gains in her pocket; that, besides his promises, which she might depen

, and to deposit it immediately in her hands. This reinforcement bore down the poor gi

hout a fee, but his money too (a sum which many a good man would have made fifty ex

self. As, therefore, the reader may easily account for it in a manner more advantageous to our hero’s reputation, by concluding that he had some interested view i

and play-houses; at which last they saw two acts every night, and then retired without paying — this being, it seems, an immemorial privilege which the beaus of the town prescribe for themselves. This, however, did not suit Wild’s temper, who call

s began to spread their charms for him, when an accident happened that put a stop to his continuance in a way of life too insipid and inactive to afford employ