In the conflict which ended my stay at Mr.Gardiner's, I was beset by four of them at once--Ned North, Ned Hays, Bill Stewart, and Tom Humphreys.

Two of them were as large as myself, and they came near killing me, in broad day light.

The attack was made suddenly, and simultaneously.

One came in front, armed with a brick; there was one at each side, and one behind, and they closed up around me.

I was struck on all sides; and, while I was attending to those in front, I received a blow on my head, from behind, dealt with a heavy hand-spike.