The King of Sardinia, having heard of the success of the Lombe's undertaking, prohibited the exportation of Piedmontese raw silk, which interrupted the course of their prosperity, until means were taken to find a renewed supply elsewhere.
And now comes the tragic part of the story, for which Mr.Hutton, the author of the 'History of Derby,' is responsible.

As he worked in the silk mill when a boy, from 1730 to 1737, he doubtless heard it from the mill-hands, and there may be some truth in it, though mixed with a little romance.

It is this:-- Hutton says of John Lombe, that he "had not pursued this lucrative commerce more than three or four years when the Italians, who felt the effects from their want of trade, determined his destruction, and hoped that that of his works would follow.

An artful woman came over in the character of a friend, associated with the parties, and assisted in the business.

She attempted to gain both the Italian workmen, and succeeded with one.