would they have caught him, had it not most unfortunately 
hi^pened that in plunging he sprained one of his ancles and fell. 

llie coach stopped on the instant, and the ruffians leaped out ; and 
as Goodman was unable to use both feet with firmness, they easily over- 
took him, when one of them struck him a sledge-hammer blow upon 
the back of the neck, and felled him at once to the ground. 

^^ Is this the way you serve us for all our kindness V cried the fellow, 
as he kicked him most cruelly in the wordnetdesire. ^* Is this your grati- 
tude r 

^^ Villains !'* shouted Goodman, and the cowardly scoundrels kicked 
him still more severely. 

^^ Up with you !" cried one of them, ^* Sam ! here, where are the 
ruffles V and the fellow addressed instantly produced a pair of hand- 
cn&, and began to unlock them. 

^' I will not be manacled 1" cried Goodman, seizing the handcufis, 
and holding them up as a weapon of defence. ^' It is for my personal 
liberty I fight, and will peril my life to defend it. Although not mad, 
I am desperate now, and the blood of him who attempts again to seiaae 
me be on his own head 1" 

The