``I am your prisoner, then,'' he said; ``use me
civilly---and let me see my wife and children.''
``You shall see them to-morrow,'' said Hartley;
``follow us instantly, and without the least resistance.''
General Witherington followed like a child, with
the air of one who is suffering for a cause in which
he glories.
``I am not ashamed of my principles,'' he said
---``I am willing to die for my king.''
Without exciting his frenzy, by contradicting
the fantastic idea which occupied his imagination,
Hartley continued to maintain over his patient the
ascendency he had acquired. He caused him to be
led to his apartment, and beheld him suffer himself
to be put to bed. Administering then a strong
composing drought, and causing a servant to sleep
in the room, he watched the unfortunate man till
dawn of morning.
General Witherington awoke in his full senses,
and apparently conscious of his real situation, which
he testified by low groans, sobs, and tears. When
Hartley drew near his bedside, he knew him perfectly,
and said, ``Do not fear me---the fit is over
---leave me now, and see after yonder unfortunate.
Let him leave Britain as soon as possible, and go
where his fate calls him, and where we can never
meet more.
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