Pagina 177 de 657

When about a hundred yards from the pool I heard a cry of

"Cooee!" which was a usual signal between my father and myself. I

then hurried forward, and found him standing by the pool. He

appeared to be much surprised at seeing me and asked me rather

roughly what I was doing there. A conversation ensued which led

to high words and almost to blows, for my father was a man of a

very violent temper. Seeing that his passion was becoming

ungovernable, I left him and returned towards Hatherley Farm. I

had not gone more than 150 yards, however, when I heard a hideous

outcry behind me, which caused me to run back again. I found my

father expiring upon the ground, with his head terribly injured.

I dropped my gun and held him in my arms, but he almost instantly

expired. I knelt beside him for some minutes, and then made my

way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, his house being the nearest, to

ask for assistance. I saw no one near my father when I returned,

and I have no idea how he came by his injuries.