"The fellow seemed actually paralysed with surprise at Ned's audacity; he gazed at him for a moment or two with amazement, while the stick which had been in the act of descending remained suspended in the air. The man, however, soon recovered himself, and looked so fierce and brutal that I trembled with apprehension for Ned's safety.
"'Get out of the way, you young fool, or I'll be the death of you,' said the man, trying to thrust him on one side.
"'Not unless you promise not to strike the woman,' replied Ned, undauntedly.
"'What?' roared the infuriated fellow; 'why, she's my own wife!'
"'More shame, then, for you to touch her.'
"The man swore a terrible oath, seized Ned by the throat, struck fiercly at him with the stick, and finally threw him to the other side of the road, where he fell all in a heap, after which the fellow walked off in the direction of the town we had just left. I hastened to my brother, and seeing him lie there so still, and with his face discoloured, I concluded he was dead, and cried out with a great burst of grief, 'He's killed, he's killed!'
"'Hush! laddie, he's not done for,' said a rough but kindly voice, and looking up I saw the woman, on whose behalf he had done battle, bending over him. 'He's not dead; untie his neckerchief, and give him some air; he's only dazed a bit; he's a brave laddie though. There, see, he's coming round! But I must be off. A brave laddie that!'
"Ned was soon able to rise to his feet and resume his walk homeward; he was a little shaky on the legs, and was compelled to lean heavily on my shoulder as he limped along.
"'You see, Archie,' he said, 'it was such a choker; the beast griped so hard, I couldn't get a chance to kick his shins; it was all grip and tumble. I think he must have hit me on the head, it feels rather sore.' Brave old Ned, throat and head both bore marks of the fellow's violence for more than a week after.
"Such was 'our Ned.' He was always doing something to make my heart throb with pride, and a look of pleasure kindled in our mother's eyes. He was a brother to be proud of, I can tell you.