Nobody stopped at first; the pace was too good to inquire; but
presently Richard Bassett, who had greeted the accident with a laugh,
turned round in his saddle, and saw his cousin motionless, and two or
three gentlemen dismounting at the place. These were newcomers. Then he
resigned the hunt, and rode back.
Sir Charles's cap was crushed in, and there was blood on his white
waistcoat; he was very pale, and quite insensible.
The gentlemen raised him, with expressions of alarm and kindly concern,
and inquired of each other what was best to be done.
Richard Bassett saw an opportunity to conciliate opinion, and seized
it. "He must be taken home directly," said he. "We must carry him to
that farmhouse, and get a cart for him."
He helped carry him accordingly. The farmer lent them a cart, with
straw, and they laid the insensible baronet gently on it, Richard
Bassett supporting his head. "Gentlemen," said he, rather pompously,
"at such a moment everything but the tie of kindred is forgotten."
Which resounding sentiment was warmly applauded by the honest squires.
They took him slowly and carefully toward Huntercombe, distant about
two miles from the scene of the accident.
This 18th November Lady Bassett passed much as usual with her on
hunting days.
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