"Are you injured, sir?"

     I think he was swearing, but am not certain; however, he was pronouncing some formula which prevented him from replying to me directly.

     "Can I do anything?" I asked again.

     "You must just stand on one side," he answered as he rose, first to his knees, and then to his feet. I did; whereupon began a heaving, stamping, clattering process, accompanied by a barking and baying which removed me effectually some yards' distance; but I would not be driven quite away till I saw the event. This was finally fortunate; the horse was re-established, and the dog was silenced with a "Down, Pilot!" The traveller now, stooping, felt his foot and leg, as if trying whether they were sound; apparently something ailed them, for he halted to the stile whence I had just risen, and sat down.

     I was in the mood for being useful, or at least officious, I think, for I now drew near him again.