443. (L.) John Huits proceedingsdefend was indicted for stealing two brass candlesticks, val. 2 s. the goods of John Humphrys proceedingsvictim , Aug. 31 .

John Humphrys < no role > . I live in Holbourn , above the bars, this day 7 night about 6 o'clock I came home, there was the prisoner sitting in my room, my wife was there. I asked him his business, he said he was come to buy my goods, and said my wife spoke to him about selling them; I told him I did not want to sell them, and desired him to go out of the room. Then he said there was a broker to come who would buy them. I desired him to go about his business, I went down to my landlady, then there came a broker and two porters through the passage and went up stairs, I followed them up; the broker said I am come to buy your goods. I said I am not going to sell them; the broker took his leave of me, saying, he hoped there was no harm done, and went away. The prisoner insisted upon staying there, and buying my goods, I told him if he'd not go I would make him, then he went away. Two days after we missed a pair of brass candlesticks, and by inquiring I found them at a broker's facing St. Andrew's Church, on Thursday last.

Q. When had you seen them before?

Humphrys. I believe they were on the mantle-piece in my room the day that the prisoner was there?

Ann Winter < no role > . I live in Holborn, facing St. Andrew's Church, I bought these two candlesticks of the prisoner at the bar last Monday, about six in the evening, I have seen him about a dozen times before.

Prisoner's Defence.

I keep a house myself, I have many sufficient people to appear for me, they are not here, but if I had known I would have brought them, I can bring them tomorrow, or I can go and fetch one or two now.

Q. to Winter. How did he behave when he sold you the things?

A. Winter. Very sensibly. He came and said, here is a bargain for you; I looked at them and asked the price; he said upon the word of an honest man I gave twenty pence for them, and I will have two shillings of you if you have them. I have bought things of him two or three times before, he always behaved very sensibly.

Guilty .