on a sudden a light glared upon the horse's face, who purled round in
great terror, and flung me out of the saddle, as from a sling, or with as
much violence as the horse Grayman, in the ballad, flings Sivord the
Snareswayne. I fell upon the ground--felt a kind of crashing about my
neck--and forthwith became senseless.

CHAPTER XXXI

NOVEL SITUATION--THE ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL--THE SURGEON--A KIND
OFFER--CHIMERICAL IDEAS--STRANGE DREAM

How long I remained senseless I cannot say; for a considerable time I
believe; at length, opening my eyes, I found myself lying on a bed in a
middle-sized chamber, lighted by a candle, which stood on a table; an
elderly man stood near me, and a yet more elderly female was holding a
phial of very pungent salts to my olfactory organ. I attempted to move,
but felt very stiff--my right arm appeared nearly paralyzed, and there
was a strange dull sensation in my head. 'You had better remain still,
young man,' said the elderly individual, 'the surgeon will be here
presently; I have sent a message for him to the neighbouring village.'
'Where am I?' said I, 'and what has happened?' 'You are in my house,'
said the old man, 'and you have been flung from a horse. I am sorry to
say that I was the cause. As I was driving home, the lights in my gig
frightened the animal.' 'Where is the horse?' said I. 'Below, in my
stable,' said the elderly individual. 'I saw you fall, but knowing that
on account of my age I could be of little use to you, I instantly hurried
home; the accident did not occur more than a furlong off, and procuring
the assistance of my lad, and two or three neighbouring cottagers, I
returned to the spot where you were lying senseless. We raised you up,
and brought you here. My lad then went in quest of the horse, who had
run away as we drew nigh. When we saw him first, he was standing near
you; he caught him with some difficulty, and brought him home. What are
you about?' said the old man, as I strove to get off the bed. 'I want to
see the horse,' said I. 'I entreat you to be still,' said the old man;
'the horse is safe, I assure you.' 'I am thinking about his knees,' said
I. 'Instead of thinking about your horse's knees,' said the old man, 'be
thankful that you have not broke your own neck.' 'You do not talk
wisely,' said I; 'when a man's neck is broke he is provided for; but when
his horse's knees are broke he is a lost jockey, that is if he has
nothing but his