anxious that the journey should be over, and my fate decided as soon
as possible.

Almost an hour after dark, a party of men rushed from the side of the
road, and some seizing the bridles of the horses, the others threw the
two conductors off their saddles by taking them by the leg and heaving
them over on the other side. This was done so quickly, that the two
men, who were well armed, had not time to draw out a pistol or any
other weapon of defence; and as soon as they were on the ground, they
were immediately seized and overpowered. The faces of the men who had
thus assailed the king's officers were blackened so as to disguise
them, but from their voices I knew them to be the men and officers of
the privateer. "Now then, Captain Elrington," said one of them, "be
off with you as fast as possible, and we will take care of these
fellows."

I still remained in my saddle, and although somewhat flurried with the
surprise of the attack, I had had time to recover myself, and had
decided upon my mode of behaviour. I felt as I had said to the owner
when we consulted together, that an escape now would be only putting
off the evil day, and that it was better to meet the case boldly at
once; so I rose in my stirrups, and said to the men in a loud voice,
"My good fellows, I am much obliged to you for your exertions in my
behalf, as it proves your good-will, but I cannot and will not take
advantage of them. By some mistake I am accused of being a traitor,
when I feel that I am a true and loyal subject, which I have no doubt
will be fully established upon my arrival in London. I cannot,
therefore, take advantage of this opportunity to escape. I respect the
laws of my country, and I beg you to do the same. Oblige me by
releasing the two gentlemen whom you have made your prisoners, and
assist them to remount their horses, for I am resolved that I will go
to London and be honourably acquitted. Once more, my lads, many thanks
for your kind intentions; and now I wish you farewell, and if you
would do me a great favour, you will disperse peaceably, and leave us
to proceed on our journey."

The men perceived that I was in earnest, and therefore did as I
requested, and in another minute I was again alone with my two
keepers.

"You have behaved honourably, Sir, and perhaps wisely," observed one
of my conductors, as he was about to remount his horse. "I will not
ask you who those people were, although I have no doubt but you
recognized