278, 279. ESTHER HICKMAN proceedingsdefend and SARAH ARMSTRONG proceedingsdefend were indicted for stealing a piece of printed linen cloth, containing eighteen yards, value 30 s. the property of Isaac Scott proceedingsvictim , May 18th .

ISAAC SCOTT < no role > sworn.

I am a linen-draper . The prisoners came into my shop to be served with some linen. My servant shewed them several pieces; I was in the shop when they came in, but went up stairs. I was called down and told they had taken a piece of linen. I went and found them at the Coach and Horses, and brought them back, and the servant at the ale-house brought the linen in after them.

ALEXANDER YOUNG < no role > sworn.

On Tuesday the 18th of March, at about half after six o'clock, I went to Mr. Scott's to fetch a piece of cloth for my mother; the prisoners were in the shop, one of them had a red cloak on; I saw a piece of cloth hang down under the red cloak; I saw it move just before she lifted it up under her cloak. I had a suspicion of them. When they were gone, I told Mr. Scott of it, and I staid till they were brought back again.

Which had the red cloak on? - Sarah Armstrong < no role > ; the other was at the other end of the counter.

ESTHER SAVOY < no role > sworn.

I am servant at the Coach and Horses, in Bartholomew Close. I was coming out of the yard; the prisoners were in the house. Hickman asked me to bring up a bundle she had dropped down the cellar stairs; I went to fetch the bundle; before I returned, Mr. Scott came, and took them out of the house. I carried the linen to Mr. Scott's.

Where was Hickman when she asked you to bring up the bundle? - Sitting on our stairs next to the cellar stairs; I delivered the linen to Mr. Scott.

Mr. Scott. I took care of the linen till we went to Guildhall then I delivered it to the constable.

( Joseph Spencer < no role > a constable produced the linen which was deposed to by the prosecutor.

HICKMAN's DEFENCE.

I leave it to your generosity; that boy and woman are bribed to take our lives away.

ARMSTRONG's DEFENCE.

The woman told the boy they should go to the Old Bailey, and have some money, and laughed as she has done now in your lordship's face.

BOTH GUILTY .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. RECORDER.

[Branding. See summary.]