This resolution being signified to one of the parties then present,
he made some difficulty of complying, but was persuaded to submit
by his two confederates, who accompanied him to the street-door,
where he was met by Peregrine on his return to the assembly.
This choleric gentleman, who was a country squire, no sooner saw his
rival, than he began to brandish his cudgel in a menacing posture,
when our adventurous youth, stepping back with one foot, laid his
hand upon the hilt of his sword, which he drew half way out of the
scabbard. This attitude, and the sight of the blade which glistened
by moonlight in his face, checked, in some sort, the ardour of his
assailant, who desired he would lay aside his toaster, and take a
bout with him at equal arms. Peregrine, who was an expert cudgel-player,
accepted the invitation: then, exchanging weapons with Pipes, who
stood behind him, put himself in a posture of defence, and received
the attack of his adversary, who struck at random, without either
skill or economy. Pickle could have beaten the cudgel out of his hand
at the first blow; but as in that case he would have been obliged
in honour to give immediate quarter, he resolved to discipline his
antagonist without endeavouring to disable him, until he should
be heartily satisfied with the vengeance he had taken.
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