We seized two muskets and a large knife, and came out just as
the Dutchman had struck the first blow with the rhinoceros whip, which
was so severe, that it took away poor Hastings' breath. We went up; he
turned round and saw us: we levelled our muskets at him, and he
stopped. `Another blow, and we'll shoot you,' cried Romer. `Yes,' cried
I; `we are only boys, but you've Englishmen to deal with.' When we came
up, Romer kept his piece levelled at the Dutchman, while I passed him,
and with the knife cut the thongs which bound Hastings. The Dutchman
turned pale and did not speak, he was so frightened, and the slaves ran
away. As soon as Hastings was free, he seized a large wooden mallet,
used for driving in stakes, and struck the Dutchman down to the earth,
crying out, `That for flogging an Englishman, you rascal!'
"While the man lay senseless or dead - I didn't know which at the time
- we tied him to the waggon wheels, and returning to the house, seized
some ammunition and other articles which might be useful. We then went
to the stables, and took the three best horses which the Dutchman had,
put some corn in a sack for each of them, took some cord for halters,
mounted, and rode away as fast as we could.
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