Nevertheless, however pure and godly might be their motives, I beheld myself in a grievous case, and likely to get the worst of it.  For the face of the Colonel was hard and stern as a block of bogwood oak; and though the men might pity me and think me unjustly executed, yet they must obey their orders, or themselves be put to death.  Therefore I addressed myself to the Colonel, in a most ingratiating manner; begging him not to sully the glory of his victory, and dwelling upon my pure innocence, and even good service to our lord the King.  But Colonel Kirke only gave command that I should be smitten in the mouth; which office Bob, whom I had flung so hard out of the linhay, performed with great zeal and efficiency.  But being aware of the coming smack, I thrust forth a pair of teeth; upon which the knuckles of my good friend made a melancholy shipwreck.

It is not in my power to tell half the thoughts that moved me, when we came to the fatal tree, and saw two men hanging there already, as innocent perhaps as I was, and henceforth entirely harmless.  Though ordered by the Colonel to look steadfastly upon them, I could not bear to do so; upon which he called me a paltry coward, and promised my breeches to any man who would spit upon my countenance.  This vile thing Bob, being angered perhaps by the smarting wound of his knuckles, bravely stepped forward to do for me, trusting no doubt to the rope I was led with.  But, unluckily as it proved for him, my right arm was free for a moment; and therewith I dealt him such a blow, that he never spake again.  For this thing I have often grieved; but the provocation was very sore to the pride of a young man; and I trust that God has forgiven me.  At the sound and sight of that bitter stroke, the other men drew back; and Colonel Kirke, now black in the face with fury and vexation, gave orders for to shoot me, and cast me into the ditch hard by.  The men raised their pieces, and pointed at me, waiting for the word to fire; and I, being quite overcome by the hurry of these events, and quite unprepared to die yet, could only think all upside down about Lorna, and my mother, and wonder what each would say to it.  I spread my hands before my eyes, not being so brave as some men; and hoping, in some foolish way, to cover my heart with my elbows.  I heard the breath of all around, as if my skull were a sounding-board; and knew even how the different men were fingering their triggers.  And a cold sweat broke all over me, as the Colonel, prolonging his enjoyment, began slowly to say, “Fire.”

But while he was yet dwelling on the “F,” the hoofs of a horse dashed out on the road, and horse and horseman flung themselves betwixt me and the gun muzzles.  So narrowly was I saved that one man could not check his trigger:  his musket went off, and the ball struck the horse on the withers, and scared him exceedingly.  He began to lash out with his heels all around, and the Colonel was glad to keep clear of him; and the men made excuse to lower their guns, not really wishing to shoot me.