I
disencumbered myself by main force and fled, but he overhied
me, knocked me down, and threatened, with dreadful oaths, to
throw me from the cliff. After I was a little recovered from the
stunning blow, I aroused myself to the combat; and, though I do
not recollect the circumstances of that deadly scuffle very
minutely, I know that I vanquished him so far as to force him to
ask my pardon, and crave a reconciliation. I spurned at both and
left him to the chastisements of his own wicked and corrupt heart.
My friend met me again on the hill and derided me in a haughty
and stern manner for my imbecility and want of decision. I told
him how nearly I had effected my purpose, and excused myself as
well as I was able. On this, seeing me bleeding, he advised me to
swear the peace against my brother, and have him punished in the
meantime, he being the first aggressor. I promised compliance
and we parted, for I was somewhat ashamed of my failure, and
was glad to be quit for the present of one of whom I stood so
much in awe.
When my reverend father beheld me bleeding a second time by
the hand of a brother, he was moved to the highest point of
displeasure; and, relying on his high interest and the justice of his
cause, he brought the matter at once before the courts.
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