they might search me if they pleased, and see if I was so branded.
A vagabond, I told them, was one that had no dwelling-house nor
certain place of abode; but I had, and was going to it, and I told
them where it was. And for a beggar, I bade them bring any one that
could say I had begged or asked relief.

This stopped the fellow's mouth, yet he would not let me go; but,
being both weak-headed and strong-willed, he left me there with the
scrivener, and went out to seek the constable, and having found him,
brought him thither. He was a young man, by trade a tanner,
somewhat better mannered than his wardsman, but not of much better
judgment.

He took me with him to his house, and having settled me there, went
out to take advice, as I supposed, what to do with me; leaving
nobody in the house to guard me but his wife, who had a young child
in her arms.

She inquired of me upon what account I was taken up, and seeming to
have some pity for me, endeavoured to persuade me not to stay, but
to go my way, offering to show me a back way from their house which
would bring me into the road again beyond the town, so that none of
the town should see me or know what was become of me. But I told
her I could not do so.

Then having sat awhile in a muse, she asked me if there was not a
place of Scripture which said Peter was at a tanner's house. I told
her there was such a Scripture, and directed her where to find it.

After some time she laid her child to sleep in the cradle, and