Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/48

 Captain, hearing from her that I knew the person who wounded me, might think proper to withdraw before I could be in a condition to requite him. In two days I was up, and able to do a little business. I soon found, by examining the Captain's sword, that he was the man; and now that remained, was to fix upon a scheme of revenge, which almost engrossed my thoughts during the space of eight nights and days. At last I determined, and actually put my design in execution, after this manner: Having secured the assistance of Strap and two of his acquaintances, we provided ourselves with disguises, and caused a letter to be delivered to him ‘by one of our associates in livery.—This letter was signed with the name of an apothecary's wife in Chelsea, of whom I had heard O'Donnell was an admirer. Every thing succeeded to our wish. He hastened to the place of assignation; and was encountered by us in the very spot where he had assaulted me. We rushed upon him at once, secured his sword, stript off his clothes even to the skin, which we scourged with nettles till he was blistered from head to foot. We carried off his clothes which we hid in a hedge near the place, and left him stark-naked, to find his way home in the bet manner he could, while I took care to be there before him. Next morning he arrived at the door in a chair, wrap up in a