CHAPTER XXXI.
NOVEL SITUATION--THE ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL--THE SURGEON--A KIND OFFER--CHIMERICAL IDEAS--STRANGE DREAM.
How long I remained senseless I cannot say, for a considerable time I believe; at length, opening my eyes, I found myself lying on a bed in a middle-sized chamber, lighted by a candle, which stood on a table--an elderly man stood near me, and a yet more elderly female was holding a phial of very pungent salts to my olfactory organ.

I attempted to move, but felt very stiff--my right arm appeared nearly paralysed, and there was a strange dull sensation in my head.

"You had better remain still, young man," said the elderly individual, "the surgeon will be here presently; I have sent a message for him to the neighbouring village." "Where am I ?" said I, "and what has happened ?" "You are in my house," said the old man, "and you have been flung from a horse.

I am sorry to say that I was the cause.

As I was driving home, the lights in my gig frightened the animal." "Where is the horse ?" said I.