n and fired out of the window.
As it was only shot, it probably did no harm, but showed the driver we
had firearms. The excitement over, the master staggered to a bench and
fell down. Examining his throat we saw how the fellow had squeezed it so
tight that his fingernails had torn the flesh, and the thrust backwards
had strained the muscles of the neck. We got him into bed and the
mistress and Alice sat up all night, applying cloths wrung out of hot
water to ease the piercing pain. None of us slept much, and Tilly was
greatly excited. I should have mentioned, when the affray was over, and
I am sure it did not last five minutes, she went to Allan and kissed the
hand that had knocked down her persecutor. We talked at breakfast over
what we should do next, when it was agreed I should go to Toronto with
word of what had happened. On reaching Yonge-street I got a ride on the
first sleigh that came along. Jabez was astounded at my news and took
me to see Mr Bambray and others interested in Tilly. Jabez at once
started to find out what had become of the fellow, and all agreed that
nothing should be decided until he reported. He was not long in getting
trace of him and when he came in after dinner it was to tell the bird
had flown. Fearing arrest, his face bandaged, he had been lifted into a
long sleigh, and lying in it as a bed, had been driven westward. 'He
will get to Hamilton this afternoon,' said Jabez, 'and is likely by
sunset to be safe on Yankee soil.' It was suggested Jabez should go next
morning and arrange with the master to keep Tilly for a few weeks. 'Will
the fellow, who knows now where she is, not plan a second attempt?' 'No
danger,' said Jabez, 'the doctor who dressed his face told me he would
not be able to go out for weeks, and was disfigured for life. He damned
the Scotties who had done it.' When Jabez told how he had received his
injuries, the doctor, an Englishman, got hotly indignant. 'Had I known,
the fellow would have been now in prison.' He would see his friend, the
Chief Justice, to have him outlawed. I stayed with Jabez overnight and
our drive in the morning was most enjoyable. There was no wind and just
frost enough to make the air crisp, the sun shone on the snow until it
sparkled, while the sleighing was splendid. Jabez had taken one of his
best horses and the swiftness of the drive was exhilarating. The road
was crowded with farmers' teams heading for Toronto, Jabez knew them all
and they all knew h