assassin, and a long and bloody struggle began. They were so nearly
matched in strength and advantage, that neither dared unclench his hold
for the sake of grasping the knife. The blood gushed from their mouths,
and the combat would have probably ended in favour of the assassin--when
steps and voices were heard advancing, and they found themselves in the
hands of a party of countrymen, who were armed for the occasion, and
were scouring the banks of the river. They were forcibly torn apart, but
so exhausted and breathless that neither could make an explanation; and
they submitted quietly to their captors.

"The party of the armed countrymen, though they had succeeded in their
attempt, and were sufficiently triumphant on the occasion, were sorely
perplexed how to dispose of their prisoners. After some discussion, one
of them proposed to throw the decision upon the wisdom of the nearest
magistrate. They accordingly proceeded with their prisoners to his
mansion, about two miles distant, and called upon him to rise and attend
to business. A window was hastily thrown up, and the justice put forth
his night-capped head, and with more wrath than became his dignity,
ordered them off; and in requital for their calling him out of bed in
the cold, generously wished them in the warmest place. However,
resistance was vain: he was compelled to rise; and as soon as the
prisoners were brought before him, he ordered them to be taken in irons
to the prison at Philadelphia. Lee improved the opportunity to take the
old gentleman aside, and told him who he was, and why he was thus
disguised. The justice only interrupted him with the occasional inquiry,
'Most done?' When he had finished, the magistrate told him that his
story was very well made, and told in a manner very creditable to his
address; and that he should give it all the weight it seemed to require.
And Lee's remonstrances were unavailing.