Bedford sent a considerable force to attack him in his retreat. Finding, upon a reconnoitre, however, that his force was equal, if not superior, to the Sheriff’s, he commenced the attack, and completely routed them, taking eleven prisoners, whom he hung upon the trees round the wood, to scare others by the example of their fate. The clothes of those they had hanged, served to accomplish their next adventure, which was a design to rob the castle of a nobleman in the neighbourhood. They proceeded in the attire of the Sheriff’s men, and demanded entrance in the name of the King, to make search for Dun. After searching every corner, they asked for the keys of the trunks to examine them, which when they received, they loaded themselves with booty, and departed. The nobleman complained to Parliament against the Sheriff, when, upon investigation, the trick was discovered.
Nothing prevented Dun from accomplishing any object which he had in view, as he possessed the greatest share of temerity and cruelty that could fall to the lot of a man. He would, under the disguise of a gentleman, wait upon rich people, and, upon being shewn into their room, murder them and carry away their money.
There was a rich knight in the neighbourhood, from whom Dun wished to have a little money. Accordingly he went and knocked at his door; the maid opening it, he enquired if her master was at home; and being answered in the affirmative, he instantly went up stairs, and familiarly entered his room. Common compliments having passed, he sat down in a chair, and began a humorous discourse, which attracted the attention of the knight. Dun then approached, and demanded a word or two in his ear: ‘Sir,’ says he, ‘my necessities come pretty thick upon me at present, and I am obliged to keep even with my creditors, for fear of cracking my fame and fortune too. Now, having been directed to you by some of the heads of the parish, as a very considerable and liberal person, I am come to petition you in a modest manner to lend me a thousand marks, which will answer all the demand upon me at present!’ ‘A thousand marks!’ answered the knight, ‘why, man, that’s a capital sum; and where’s the inducement to lend you so much money, who are a perfect stranger to me; for my eyes and knowledge, I never saw you before all the days of my life!’ – ‘Sir, you must be mistaken, I am the honest grocer at Bedford, who has so often shared your favours.’ ‘Really, friend, I do not know you, nor shall I part with my money but on a good bottom: pray what security have you?’ ‘Why, this dagger,’ says Dun, (pulling it out it of his breast) ‘is my constant security; and unless you let me have a thousand marks instantly, I shall pierce your heart!’ This terrible menace produced the intended effect, and he delivered the money.
By this time Dun had become formidable both to the rich and the poor; but one melancholy circumstance attended the depredations of this man, that almost in every instance, except those above narrated, they were stained with blood. He continued his infamous course above twenty years, the vicinity of the river Ouse in Yorkshire being the usual scene of his exploits; and being attended by fifty armed men on horseback, the inhabitants of the country were afraid to seize him.
Nor was his last adventure less remarkable than those of his former life. His infamy daily increasing, the people of that district were determined no longer to suffer his depredations. Though Dun was informed of what was intended, yet he still continued his wicked career. The country rising at last against him, he and his gang were so closely pursued, that they were constrained to divide, each taking shelter where he possibly could, and Dun concealed himself in a small village; the general pursuit and search, however, continuing, he was discovered, and the house he was in surrounded. Two of the strongest posted themselves at the door; with irresistible courage Dun
Nothing prevented Dun from accomplishing any object which he had in view, as he possessed the greatest share of temerity and cruelty that could fall to the lot of a man. He would, under the disguise of a gentleman, wait upon rich people, and, upon being shewn into their room, murder them and carry away their money.
There was a rich knight in the neighbourhood, from whom Dun wished to have a little money. Accordingly he went and knocked at his door; the maid opening it, he enquired if her master was at home; and being answered in the affirmative, he instantly went up stairs, and familiarly entered his room. Common compliments having passed, he sat down in a chair, and began a humorous discourse, which attracted the attention of the knight. Dun then approached, and demanded a word or two in his ear: ‘Sir,’ says he, ‘my necessities come pretty thick upon me at present, and I am obliged to keep even with my creditors, for fear of cracking my fame and fortune too. Now, having been directed to you by some of the heads of the parish, as a very considerable and liberal person, I am come to petition you in a modest manner to lend me a thousand marks, which will answer all the demand upon me at present!’ ‘A thousand marks!’ answered the knight, ‘why, man, that’s a capital sum; and where’s the inducement to lend you so much money, who are a perfect stranger to me; for my eyes and knowledge, I never saw you before all the days of my life!’ – ‘Sir, you must be mistaken, I am the honest grocer at Bedford, who has so often shared your favours.’ ‘Really, friend, I do not know you, nor shall I part with my money but on a good bottom: pray what security have you?’ ‘Why, this dagger,’ says Dun, (pulling it out it of his breast) ‘is my constant security; and unless you let me have a thousand marks instantly, I shall pierce your heart!’ This terrible menace produced the intended effect, and he delivered the money.
By this time Dun had become formidable both to the rich and the poor; but one melancholy circumstance attended the depredations of this man, that almost in every instance, except those above narrated, they were stained with blood. He continued his infamous course above twenty years, the vicinity of the river Ouse in Yorkshire being the usual scene of his exploits; and being attended by fifty armed men on horseback, the inhabitants of the country were afraid to seize him.
Nor was his last adventure less remarkable than those of his former life. His infamy daily increasing, the people of that district were determined no longer to suffer his depredations. Though Dun was informed of what was intended, yet he still continued his wicked career. The country rising at last against him, he and his gang were so closely pursued, that they were constrained to divide, each taking shelter where he possibly could, and Dun concealed himself in a small village; the general pursuit and search, however, continuing, he was discovered, and the house he was in surrounded. Two of the strongest posted themselves at the door; with irresistible courage Dun
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