In the tumult and agitation of the moment, the
retreat of Lawton and Wellmere was but little noticed; the condition of
Mr. Wharton demanding the care and consolation of both the surgeon and
the divine. The report of the firearms at first roused the family to the
sense of a new danger, and but a moment elapsed before the leader, and
one more of the gang, entered the room.
"Surrender! you servants of King George," shouted the leader, presenting
his musket to the breast of Sitgreaves, "or I will let a little tory
blood from your veins."
"Gently--gently, my friend," said the surgeon. "You are doubtless more
expert in inflicting wounds than in healing them; the weapon that you
hold so indiscreetly is extremely dangerous to animal life."
"Yield, or take its contents."
"Why and wherefore should I yield?--I am a noncombatant. The articles of
capitulation must be arranged with Captain John Lawton; though yielding,
I believe, is not a subject on which you will find him particularly
complying."
The fellow had by this time taken such a survey of the group, as
convinced him that little danger was to be apprehended from resistance,
and, eager to seize his share of the plunder, he dropped his musket, and
was soon busy with the assistance of his men, in arranging divers
articles of plate in bags.
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