 However, eventually finding himself unemployed due to his activities, he was obliged to become a highwayman with Abershawe.Although admittedly inexperienced, he showed great potential as an expert horseman earning him the moniker "Galloping Dick".Following Abershawe's execution in 1795, Ferguson continued on his own with a successful career as a highwayman himself for five more years until his eventual capture by the Bow Street Runners in 1800.