How long I remained in the canal I knew not; but in about three
minutes, as I conjectured, I felt a severe blow on my right side; and
opening my eyes I saw myself surrounded by men, who talked a great
deal, and expressed much anxiety and curiosity about me. They enquired
of me my name, where I lived, and why I had thrown myself into the
water: but I would not answer a word. The blow which I had felt, and
which was probably the cause of bringing me for a few moments to my
senses, I presume was caused by my falling, after I was rescued, upon
the stones, which lay thickly scattered near the water. I remember that
the persons around me continued to press me with questions, and that I
still remained silent. Some of them having observed the little
medallion on my neck, and being able to read, declared I was probably
the daughter of Dr. Robertson, as it bore the name; but to this, I also
gave no answer, and sunk again into a state of unconsciousness.
When my senses once more returned, I found myself lying in a bed
covered up warm, in a house, and heard several persons talking of the
mass, from which they had just returned. I could not imagine where I
was, for my thoughts were not easily collected, and every thing seemed
strange around me. Some of them, on account of the name on the little
medallion, had sent to Dr. Robertson, to inform him that a young woman
had been prevented from drowning herself in the basin, who had a
portrait on her neck, with his family name stamped upon it; and he had
sent word, that although she could be no relation of his, they had
better bring her to his house, as he possibly might be able to learn
who she was. Preparations were therefore made to conduct me thither;
and I was soon in his house. This was about midday, or a little later.
The doctor endeavored to draw from me some confession of my family: but
I refused; my feelings would not permit me to give him any
satisfaction. He offered to send me to my home if I would tell him
where I lived; but at length, thinking me unreasonable and obstinate,
began to threaten to send me to jail.
In a short time I found that the latter measure was determined on, and
I was soon put into the hands of the jailer, Captain Holland, and
placed in a private room in his house.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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