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 his servant, each a
pistol in his hand. He quitted the chaise, when he came near the
suffering men; and Sir Charles desired him instantly to examine whether
the gentlemen were dangerously hurt, or not.
The most enraged of the assailants, having slipt by the two who were
earnest to restrain him, would again have attacked Mr.
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