More than once
he crossed the seas; the Hague knew him, and Amsterdam, though these
somnolent cities gave small occasion for the display of his talents.
It was from Scilly that he crossed to the Isle of Man, where, being
recommended to Lord Derby, he gained high favour, and received in
exchange for his jests a comfortable stipend. Hitherto, said the
Chronicles, thieving was unknown in the island. A man might walk whither
he would, a bag of gold in one hand, a switch in the other, and fear no
danger. But no sooner had Hind appeared at Douglas than honest citizens
were pilfered at every turn. In dismay they sought the protection of
the Governor, who instantly suspected Hind, and gallantly disclosed his
suspicions to the Captain. 'My lord!' exclaimed Hind, a blush upon his
cheek, 'I protest my innocence; but willingly will I suffer the heaviest
penalty of your law if I am recognised for the thief.' The victims,
confronted with their robber, knew him not, picturing to the Governor
a monster with long hair and unkempt beard. Hind, acquitted with
apologies, fetched from his lodging the disguise of periwig and beard.
'They laugh who win!' he murmured, and thus forced forgiveness and a
chuckle even from his judges.
As became a gentleman-adventurer, Captain Hind was staunch in his
loyalty to his murdered King. To strip the wealthy was always reputable,
but to rob a Regicide was a masterpiece of well-doing.
A fervent zeal to lighten Cromwell's pocket had brought the illustrious
Allen to the gallows.
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