My daughters also, finding that he was gone, came out to be informed of the result of our conference, which, when known, alarmed them not less than the rest.

But as to myself, I disregarded the utmost stretch of his malevolence: he had already struck the blow, and now I stood prepared to repel every new effort.

Like one of those instruments used in the art of war, which, however thrown, still presents a point to receive the enemy.
We soon, however, found that he had not threatened in vain; for the very next morning his steward came to demand my annual rent, which, by the train of accidents already related, I was unable to pay.

The consequence of my incapacity was his driving my cattle that evening, and their being appraised and sold the next day for less than half their value.

My wife and children now therefore entreated me to comply upon any terms, rather than incur certain destruction.