ptain Levee
and my owner; but of course I thought it imprudent to take any notice of
them, and they did not make any recognition of me.

I hardly need say, my dear Madam, how very revolting it was to my
feelings to be thus led away like a felon; but at the same time I must
acknowledge the courtesy of my conductors, who apologised for being
compelled to take such measures of security, and on the way showed great
kindness and good-feeling.

Everything being arranged, we proceeded on our journey: but it was late
when we set off, owing to one of my conductors being sent for by the
commissioner, and having to wait for letters for nearly three hours. As
it may be supposed, we could not travel at speed, and we seldom went
faster than a walk, which I was sorry for, as I was 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 o