Harry did not wait to expostulate any more, but did as he was ordered; and fortunately soon reached a little farm-house, which they might have seen from the road, had it been a clear night. He went in and told the case to the man who lived there, and begged him and his son immediately to go with him. The farmer at first seemed reluctant, he was tired, and just preparing to go to bed, after a hard day’s work; but when Harry told him he should be well recompensed, he fetched a sort of handbarrow, and laid a mattrass on it, and followed to the place. Before they reached it, Charles had the satisfaction to see the officer open his eyes, and come gradually to himself; and looking wistfully at Charles, he said, falteringly, Who are you, young man, who thus alone, this dismal night, supports my wounded head? Did you bind this linen round my temples? I have been so happy, replied Charles, as to arrive in time to be of service to you; I had a servant with me, but I have sent him for further assistance, that you may be removed to some house. What reflection, what fortitude! faintly cried the weak man.—Do not exhaust yourself, Sir, interrupted Charles; I have only done my duty—indeed my heart bled for you, I could not have left you. Harry and the men that moment joined them; they all assisted, and laid the officer on the handbarrow; but the fatigue was too much for him, and he fainted again through weakness. They walked very slow, and at length brought him into the cottage; and Charles sent the farmer for a surgeon. And what is now your intention? asked Harry. To stay here this night, replied Charles; I cannot think of leaving this venerable old man with strangers, who do not seem the most humane people in the world. Do you hasten home, and tell them what has happened, and then I shall wait with comfort till to-morrow, and see myself that the poor man is properly attended—I will be his nurse. Harry was not willing to leave him; but he spoke in such a positive tone of voice, Harry thought it vain to attempt to dissuade him; so, much against his inclination, he rode away; and would certainly have relieved us soon from all our anxiety, if the thick fog, and his vexation together, had not made him lose, or mistake the short by-road, which leads directly through the wood to the house; he wandered about till the first peep of dawn, and then entered the parlour trembling. We had all our eyes and mouths open, ready to catch the news—and we began to ask so many questions in a breath, Sir Charles was obliged to command silence, that we might hear the account. He praised the servant, gave him a guinea, and desired him to go to bed for an hour or two, and then come to him, before he returned to his son, to whom he would send a message, and some money to enable him to pay the surgeon, and supply the wants of the invalide.