whom I have found ever hitherto very circumspect and well guarded;
next, to find out a select, faithful number to whom I might trust
and thirdly, that in case I fail, and that my uncle shall prevail
over my endeavours, that I might have this boat and these provisions
as a safe retreat, both for myself and you, whom I should be loath
to expose to so great a danger without some probability in the
attempt, and some security in the disappointment. I am resolved
this night to fall on my uncle for he being gone, there is none
of his children who dare hope to repose themselves to his place.
The countrymen who now, for fear, depend on him and disown me,
will, no doubt, on the same motives, promoved with my just title,
own me against all other injurious pretenders. One thing I must
require of you, and it is that albeit those on whom we are to
fall are all related both to you and to me, yet since on their
destruction depends the preservation of our lives, and the restitution
of my estate, you must all promise not to give quarter to my uncle
or to any of his company."

To this inhuman resolution they all agreed, disregarding the natural
ties of blood and other obligations, and, marching as quietly as
possible, they arrived at Hector's house, surrounded it, and set
fire to it - guarding it all round so that not a soul could escape.
The house was soon in flames, and the inmates, Hector and his
household, were crying out for mercy. Their pitiful cries made
an impression on those outside, for many of them had relatives
within, and in spite of their previous resolution to give no
quarter, some of them called out to their nearest friends to come
out and surrender, on assurance of their lives being spared. John
seeing so many of his followers moved to this merciful conduct,
and being unable to resist them, exclaimed, "My uncle is as near