Hither he would now frequently repair, and though he did not as yet think it necessary to have recourse to all the precautionary measures he intended eventually to adopt--such as flashing a pistol when he looked forth--yet he never opened the shutter without holding a phial of vinegar, or a handkerchief wetted with the same liquid, to his face.
Before closing his house he had hired a porter, who occupied the hutch at his door, and held himself in readiness to execute any commission, or perform any service that might be required.

Fresh vegetables, poultry, eggs, butter, and milk, were brought by a higgler from the country, and raised by means of a basket or a can attached to the pulley.

Butcher's meat was fetched him from Newgate-market by the porter.

This man, whose name was Ralph Dallison, had been formerly in the employ of the grocer, who, knowing his character, could place entire reliance on him.

Dallison reported the progress of the pestilence daily, and acquainted him with the increasing amount of the bills of mortality.