Tn - s SwrwnLER's FATE.—Boecaccio could not beat the literary work of
a swindler just committed from Marlborough Street for trial—" Captain" or "Sir Richard" Douglas, of Orpington House, Kent ; Ascot Villa, Ascot ; and No. 6 Belgrave Terrace. His two sons share his fortunes. He had poured forth his soul in a diary, which curiously combined business and sen- timent. It was prefaced by a list of people to be victimized. The first day of the New Year for 1851 opened with a prayer, asking Providence to bless the exertions of the writer and his sons, and make them more prosperously productive than they were last year. It proceeds- " Took possession of Ascot Villa. Got phaeton, dog-cart, horses. Looked about Guildford, Staines. Ordered goods, coals, and beer, shawls. Got a greatcoat front Skinner.
"Jan. 3.—Nothing came in. Charles hired dog-cart and harness of Lacy. Went in phaeton to Guildford. Ordered carpeting, shawls, coats, &c. 4.—Nothing from Guildford but an impudent letter. Sent Charles to station for carpeting. Williamson there, and stopped it. Fear there will be a row. Got shawls.
5.—Phacton and horse seized. Fear exposure at Ascot, and all up with chance there. Fear we must cut.
"6—Coals and beer came in. Made as merry as could. Went to shop in Curzon Street. Ordered brushes, &c.
"7.—All day ill. Row about stable. Forcible possession taken of it. Row all day with one person or another. Fearful how things will end. Three boys at home idle. All ordering things. i " 14.—Not a shilling coming n. Eleven mouths to feed. Would not order goods except to keep my children. They have found out my address at Guildford. Dread- ful rows. Got carpeting. Fearful row with man who brought an iron safe. Row all night from ringing door-bell by boot and shoe man. 13.—Row all day with people. Mob outside of house crying • Swindler.' "17.—Very nervous. More rows.
"l&—Went to boy's to dinner—champagne—very merry. Providence not quite deserted us."
But retribution came at last, in the guise of an intended victim. A letter had been sent to the Reverend Mr. Hamilton ; a constable donned black clothes, white neckcloth, broad-brimmed hat, and the voice of pity ; found the "destitute" man lying on straw ; was welcomed as the benefactor—and seized the patient as a malefactor.
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