However, this was no time to indulge despondence;
since nobody could or would assist me, I stood the more in need of
my own resolution and presence of mind. After some deliberation,
I steered my course back to London; and, being unwilling to return
by the same road in which I came, as well as impatient to be at the
end of my journey, I chose the Bagshot way, and ventured to cross
the heath by moonlight.
"Here I was attacked by a footpad armed with a broad-sword, who
came up and demanded my money. My stock amounted to twelve guineas;
and I foresaw that should I be stripped of the whole sum, I could
not travel without discovering who I was, and consequently running
the risk of being detected by my pursuer. On these considerations,
I gave the fellow three guineas and some silver; with which he was
so far from being satisfied, that he threatened to search me for
more: but I ordered the coachman to proceed, and by good fortune
escaped that ceremony, though I was under some apprehension of
being overtaken with a pistol bullet in my flight, and therefore
held down my head in the chaise, in imitation of some great men, who
are said to have ducked in the same manner in the day of battle.
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