I was completely stunned by the blow, and fell, heavily, on the ground, among the timbers.

Taking advantage of my fall, they rushed upon me, and began to pound me with their fists.

I let them lay on, for a while, after I came to myself, with a view of gaining strength.

They did me little damage, so far; but, finally, getting tired of that sport, I gave a sudden surge, and, despite their weight, I rose to my hands and knees.

Just as I did this, one of their number (I know not which) planted a blow with his boot in my left eye, which, for a time, seemed to have burst my eyeball.