As the assailants offered 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.
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