I probably remained for some time in this situation, since when I
opened my eyes, it was broad daylight. Several Peasants were standing
round me, and seemed disputing whether my recovery was possible. I
spoke German tolerably well. As soon as I could utter an articulate
sound, I enquired after Agnes. What was my surprise and distress, when
assured by the Peasants, that nobody had been seen answering the
description which I gave of her! They told me that in going to their
daily labour they had been alarmed by observing the fragments of my
Carriage, and by hearing the groans of an Horse, the only one of the
four which remained alive: The other Three lay dead by my side. Nobody
was near me when they came up, and much time had been lost, before they
succeeded in recovering me. Uneasy beyond expression respecting the
fate of my Companion, I besought the Peasants to disperse themselves in
search of her: I described her dress, and promised immense rewards to
whoever brought me any intelligence. As for myself, it was impossible
for me to join in the pursuit: I had broken two of my ribs in the fall:
My arm being dislocated hung useless by my side; and my left leg was
shattered so terribly, that I never expected to recover its use.
The Peasants complied with my request: All left me except Four, who
made a litter of boughs and prepared to convey me to the neighbouring
Town. I enquired its name. It proved to be Ratisbon, and I could
scarcely persuade myself that I had travelled to such a distance in a
single night. I told the Countrymen that at one o’clock that morning I
had past through the Village of Rosenwald. They shook their heads
wistfully, and made signs to each other that I must certainly be
delirious. I was conveyed to a decent Inn and immediately put to bed. A
Physician was sent for, who set my arm with success. He then examined
my other hurts, and told me that I need be under no apprehension of the
consequences of any of them; But ordered me to keep myself quiet, and
be prepared for a tedious and painful cure. I answered him that if He
hoped to keep me quiet, He must first endeavour to procure me some news
of a Lady who had quitted Rosenwald in my company the night before, and
had been with me at the moment when the Coach broke down. He smiled,
and only replied by advising me to make myself easy, for that all
proper care should be taken of me. As He quitted me, the Hostess met
him at the door of the room.
“The Gentleman is not quite in his right senses;” I heard him say to
her in a low voice; “’Tis the natural consequence of his fall, but that
will soon be over.”
One after another the Peasants returned to the Inn, and informed me
that no traces had been discovered of my unfortunate Mistress.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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