and gained, as I thought, the high road to E----, but I made
a sad mistake; and puzzled by the utter darkness and turnings, I took,
on the contrary, the road to Mount Castle. As soon as I was clear of the
houses and the enclosure, there was more light, and I could distinguish
the road. I had proceeded about four or five miles, when I heard the
sound of horses' hoofs, and shortly afterwards two men rode by me. I
inquired if that was the way to E----. A pause ensued, and a whisper.
"All's right!" replied a deep voice. I continued my way, glad to find
that I had not mistaken it, and cogitating as to what must be the purpose
of two men being out at such an hour. About ten minutes afterwards I
thought I again heard the sound of horses' feet, and it then occurred
to me that they must be highwaymen, who had returned to rob me. I cocked
my pistols, determined to sell my life as dearly as I could, and awaited
their coming up with anxiety; but they appeared to keep at the same
distance, as the sound did not increase. After half an hour I came to
two roads, and was undecided which to take. I stopped and listened--the
steps of the horses were no longer to be heard. I looked round me to
ascertain if I could recognise any object so as to decide me, but I could
not. I took the road to the left, and proceeded, until I arrived at a
brook which crossed the road. There was no bridge, and it was too dark
to perceive the stepping stones. I had just waded about half way across,
when I received a blow on the head from behind, which staggered me. I
turned round, but before I could see my assailant, a second blow laid
me senseless in the water.

Chapter XLVI

Under ground but not yet dead and buried--The prospect anything
but pleasant.

When my recollection returned I found myself in the dark, but where, I
knew not. My head ached, and my brain reeled. I sat up for a moment to
collect my senses, but the effort was too painful, I fell back, and
remained in a state of half stupor. Gradually I recovered, and again sat
up. I perceived that I had been lying on a bed of straw, composed of two
or three trusses apparently. I felt with my extended arms on each side
of me, but touched nothing. I opened my eyes, which I had closed again,
and tried to pierce through the obscurity, but in vain--all was dark as
Erebus. I then rose on my feet, and extending my hands before me, walked
five or six steps on one side, till I was clear of the st