about ten o'clock in the
morning
The second slanted along one of my ribs ; and the last , which was intended for the finishing stroke , having been directed to my heart , the sword snapped upon my breast-bone , and the point remained sticking in the skin . When I reflected upon this event , I could not persuade myself that I had been assaulted by a common footpad , because it is not usual for such people to murder though they rob , especially when they meet with no resistance ; and I found my money , and everything else about me but my carcase , safe . I concluded , therefore , that I must either have been mistaken for another , or obliged to the private resentment of some secret enemy for what had happened ; and as I could remember nobody who had the least cause of complaint against me , except Captain O'Donnell and my master 's daughter , my suspicion settled upon them , though I took care to conceal it , that I might the sooner arrive at confirmation . With this view , I went home in the chair about ten o'clock in the morning ; and as the chairman supported me into the house , met the captain in the passage , who no sooner saw me than he started back and gave evident signs of guilty confusion , which he would have accounted for from surprise occasioned by the seeing me in such a condition . My master having heard my story , condoled me with a good deal of sympathy , and when he understood my wounds were not dangerous , ordered me to be carried upstairs to bed ; though not without some opposition from his wife , who was of opinion that it would be better for me to go to an hospital , where I should be more carefully attended . My meditation was employed in concerting with myself some method of revenge against Squire O'Donnell and his inamorata , whom I looked upon as the author of my misfortune ; when miss , who was not at home at my arrival , entered my chamber , and saying she was sorry for the accident that had befallen me , asked if I suspected anybody to be the assassin ; upon which I fixed my eyes steadfastly upon her and answered , `` Yes . '' She discovered no symptom of confusion , but replied hastily , `` If that be the case , why do n't you take out a warrant , to have him apprehended ?