Middx Ss

The Information of George Abbott< no role > of the Parish
of St. Paul Covent Garden Linnen Draper taken before
me Ralph marshall< no role > Esqr . this 16th. of February Anno
Diu 1698.

Who upon his Oath Saith That Yesterday aboutSixfive of the Clock
in the Evening two women whose named are unknowne came into
his Shopp and ask'd to see some Muslin and bought a yard of it,
and Stole from him a peice of Muslin Containeingabout
thirteene Yards val. about three pounds and carryed it
of but being pursued and brought back, drop't it in the
Shopp, Whereupon he this Informant carryed the said two
women into his Dineing Roome & detayned them and whilst they were
there,and before he could charge a Constable with them
John Browne< no role > Jnnr . now present came to his house, and asked
to Speake with the said two women, saying one of them was
his Sister, which this Informant permitted; and desired this
Informant to drinke a Glass of Wine withhim Which
Accordingly he did, and then returned home,takeingcalling a Beadle to come
allong: with him to Secure the said two women, which he the
Beadle did in a Short time, but before the Beadle came, Edward Browne< no role >
Brother of the said John, asked to Speake with the said women
& Swore he would See them Saying one of them was his
Sister or wife, but cannot tell which, and went up Staires
whereafter some huffing words, and Severall Oathes, he drew
his Sword, upon which the Beadle, who was then come,
Seiz'd the said Edward Browne< no role > , about which time Some body
Knocking at his doore, which being opened, George Browne< no role >
another of the Brothers of the said Brownes together
with the said John Browne< no role > rush't up Staires where this
Informant mett them, and oposeing the said George, he
the said George drew his Sword, where upon this Informant
run up staires to Secure him selfe, and found the Beadle and
the said Edward Browne< no role > with his Sword drawne, Strugling
on the flower, and in this fray the above said two women
made their Escape, by Opening a hatch, and the said George
Browne< no role > , Entring his said Dineing Roome with his Sword
drawn, upon which, he this Informant together with