I make no doubt but the Reader will think the remaining Part of this Story very odd, and perhaps a little improbable. However, if he considers the Characters of the Persons concern'd in the Adventure, he will find nothing related but what may be supposed to have been really acted. Boccace, La Fontaine, and other celebrated Writers have met with universal Applause for Histories less reconcileable to Truth than this. But, be that as it will … [t]he Writers of the Lives of Highwaymen who have gone before, are a sufficient Apology for this and many other unaccountable Relations, which must of necessity be interspersed in this Work. A Reader that cannot relish these Passages, will find enough for his Diversion without them, and those who have a pretty deal of Faith may easily stretch it to our Standard. At least what will not pass for real Truth, may please by the same Rules as many of our modern Novels, which are so much admired.