Our hero's equipage being detained close by the field of this
contention, Pipes could not bear to see the laws of boxing so
scandalously transgressed, and, leaping from his station, pulled
the offender from his antagonist, whom he raised up, and in the
English language encouraged to a second essay, instructing him at
the same time by clenching his fists according to art, and putting
himself in a proper attitude. Thus confirmed, the enraged carman
sprang upon his foe, and in all appearance would have effectually
revenged the injury he had sustained, if he had not been prevented
by the interposition of a lacquey belonging to a nobleman, whose
coach was obliged to halt in consequence of the dispute. This
footman, who was distinguished by a cane, descending from his post,
without the least ceremony or expostulation, began to employ his
weapon upon the head and shoulders of the peasant who had been
patronized by Pipes; upon which, Thomas, resenting such ungenerous
behaviour, bestowed such a stomacher upon the officious intermeddler,
as discomposed the whole economy of his entrails, and obliged him
to discharge the interjection Ah! with demonstrations of great
anguish and amazement.
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