red not to fly, and as they had more than time
enough to execute their purpose, had it been robbery and murder; Sir
Charles concluded it was likely that these men were actuated by a private
revenge. He was confirmed in this surmise, when the four men on
horseback, though each had his pistol ready drawn, as Sir Charles also
had his, demanded a conference; warning Sir Charles how he provoked his
fate by his rashness; and declaring, that he was a dead man if he fired.

Forbear, then, said Sir Charles, all further violences to the gentlemen,
and I will hear what you have to say.

He then put his pistol into his holster; and one of his servants being
come up, and the two others at hand, (to whom he called out, not to fire
till they had his orders,) he gave him his horse's reins; bidding him
have an eye on the holsters of both, and leapt down; and, drawing his
sword, made towards the two men who were so cruelly exercising their
whips; and who, on his approach, retired to some little distance, drawing
their hangers.

The four men on horseback joined the two on foot, just as they were
quitting the objects of their fury; and one of them said, Forbear, for
the present, further violence, brother; the gentleman shall be told the
cause of all this.--Murder, sir, said he, is not intended; nor are we
robbers: the men whom you are solicitous to save from our vengeance, are
villains.

Be the cause what it will, answered Sir Charles, you are in a country
noted for doing speedy justice, upon proper application to the
magistrates. In the same instant he raised first one groaning man, then
the other. Their heads were all over bloody, and they were so much
bruised, that they could not extend their arms to reach their wigs and
hats, which lay near them; nor put them on without Sir Charles's help.

The men on foot by this time had mounted their horses, and all six stood
upon their defence; but one of them was so furious, crying out, that his
vengeance should be yet more complete, that two of the others could
hardly restrain him.

Sir Charles asked Sir Hargrave and Mr. Merceda, Whether they had reason
to look upon themselves as injured men, or injurers? One of the
assailants answered, That they both knew themselves to be villains.

Either from consciousness, or terror, perhaps from both, they could not
speak for themselves, but by groans; nor could either of them stand or
sit upright.

Just then came up, in the chaise, Mr. Lowther and