According to The Western Times of Saturday, 22nd January 1842:
"On Tuesday evening, a man, who called himself Knox, went to the shop of Mr. Burrington, watch maker, and having examined some watches and other articles of jewellery, desired that some watches, chains, keys, and other articles, might be taken to his lodgings, at Mrs. Newman's, 14, Verney Place, St, Sidwells, in order that a selection might be made for a lady. Mr Barrington accompanied him with six watches, nine gold chains, twelve gold keys, and other articles, to the value of £170.
"When they arrived at the house Mr. Burrington was requested by the swindler to take a chair, and give him the articles, that he might show them to a lady in an adjoining room. This was done and after Mr. Burrington had waited some considerable time, a thought flashed upon him that some trick might be in progress...."
Mr Burrington seems to have been a bit slow off the mark. It took a while for that thought to flash upon him but he was quick enough to hire a chaise and set out on a Pickwickian pursuit of Mr. Knox:
"and after much search and enquiry found the swindler and 'the lady' in bed together at the New Inn, on the road between Chudleigh and Ashburton."
Mr. Knox's sweetheart was an Exeter girl, Mary Ann Endicott of Spiller's Street, and she was deemed to be an innocent and discharged. Things, however, were serious for the poor man who called himself Knox. He was committed to await trial,
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