THE COLONEL S STORY. 157 



returned to the house, we met some fifty countrymen, 

 armed with all sorts of rustic weapons coming to our 

 relief. Without a moment's delay, we launched boats, 

 and set off to scour the country, and at noon, so prompt 

 and vigorous had been the pursuit, that six of the gang 

 including the wounded robbers, were secured. 



" We reached ' the Wilderness ' completely exhausted 

 by the exertions of the morning and the fatigue of the 

 preceding night. We refreshed ourselves and went to 

 bed but previous to returning to my room, I visited 

 the scene of action. Another blow, even a very slight one, 

 must have driven in the door ; and in the rush of twelve 

 desperate ruffians, the chances would have been fearfully 

 against us. Murphy lay upon his back he was a 

 disgusting object. The ground was saturated with blood, 

 for the charge of heavy shot made as large a wound as 

 a cannon-bullet would occasion. He was the strongest 

 brute I ever saw ; not more than five fret eight inches 

 in height, but his limbs, body, and arms were a giant's ; 

 he was a blacksmith, a man of infamous character, 

 and most sanguinary disposition. 



" Our escape from robbery was fortunate indeed ; 

 Mr. Morden had seven thousand pounds that night in 

 the lodge, for he had just received the rents of two 

 estates. It was almost entirely paid in specie and this 

 was, of course, known, and induced two desperate bands, 

 who had kept the adjoining counties in alarm since the 

 rebellion was suppressed, to unite for the purpose of 

 robbing ' the Wilderness,' and securing this immense 

 booty. 



" The body of the smith was sent away, and buried 

 in the jail- yard of the neighbouring town ; and, having 

 brought the battle to a close, I shall explain some matters 

 connected with this daring outrage. 



