fire; the sundry ungracious fisty-cuffs he had already received were only so many incentives to action, and he rushed forward in a mood to enjoy the melee as the breath of life. His appearance caused the fellow to release the ladies, but he himself shewed no disposition to retreat. On the contrary when he saw, by the stick which Edward flourished, that it had gone hard with his fellow labourer, he heaved his weapon over his shoulder and came up at a running pace, evidently bent on mischief. Edward had scarcely time to recollect his points of fence ere his man was at action. By throwing up St. George's guard and stepping back a pace, he avoided the first blow which would have terminated the contest had it taken effect, so well was it delivered, while the rejoinder with which he followed, was rendered partly inefficient by the superior dexterity of his antagonist, who seemed a most consummate master at quarter-staff. Blows were given and parried on both sides for a considerable time, and longer they might have fought had not the terrier by snapping at his heels and otherwise annoying the rascal, distracted his attention so much, that a lounge from Edward given at an advantageous moment caused him to measure his length on the soil.
The ladies, who had waited the issue at a distance, now hastened up and entreated Edward to accompany them to Martinvale. Exhausted by his exertions, and suffering extremely from a blow on the head, he willingly accepted the offer, and in half an hour he found himself surrounded by a happy and smiling circle, who vied with each other in tendering him their grateful services.
