Before I could cry out, a hand was placed over my mouth so closely as almost to stifle me; and I was forced into the carriage by two persons, who seated themselves on either side of me, threatening to put me to death if I made the slightest noise.

The carriage was then driven off at a furious pace.

For some miles it pursued the high road, and then struck into a lane, where, in consequence of the deep and dangerous ruts, the driver was obliged to relax his speed.

But in spite of all his caution, one of the wheels sunk into a hole, and in the efforts to extricate it, the carriage was overturned.

No injury was sustained either by me or the others inside, and the door being forced open without much difficulty, we were let out.