The seventh man was set over the post-boy, whom he had led about half a
mile from the spot they had chosen as a convenient one for their purpose.
Sir Hargrave's servant was secured by them at their first attack; but
after they had disarmed him and his masters, he found an opportunity to
slip from them, and made the best of his way to the road, in hopes of
procuring assistance for them.
While Sir Charles was busy in helping the bruised wretches on their feet,
the seventh man came up to the others, followed by Sir Hargrave's chaise.
The assailants had retired to some distance, and, after a consultation
together, they all advanced towards Sir Charles; who, bidding his
servants be on their guard, leapt on his horse, with that agility and
presence of mind, for which, Mr. Beauchamp says, he excels most men; and
leading towards them, Do you advance, gentlemen, said he, as friends, or
otherwise?--Mr. Lowther took a pistol in each hand, and held himself
ready to support him; and the servants disposed themselves to obey their
master's orders.
Our enmity, answered one of them, is only to these two inhospitable
villains: murder, as we told you, was not our design. They know where we
are to be found; and that they are the vilest of men, and have not been
punished equal to their demerits. Let them on their knees ask this
gentleman's pardon; pointing to the husband of the insulted lady.
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