Our hero, incensed at his arrogance, replied with great
warmth, that he knew himself sufficiently qualified for playing
with men of honour, who deal upon the square, and hoped he should
always deem it infamous either to learn or practise the tricks of
a professed gamester. "Blood and thunder! meaning me, sir?" cried
this artist, raising his voice, and curling his visage into a most
intimidating frown. "Zounds! I'll cut the throat of any scoundrel
who has the presumption to suppose that I don't play as honourably
as e'er a nobleman in the kingdom: and I insist upon an explanation
from you, sir; or, by hell and brimstone! I shall expect other
sort of satisfaction." Peregrine (whose blood by this time boiled
within him) answered without hesitation, "Far from thinking your
demand unreasonable, I will immediately explain myself without
reserve, and tell you, that, upon unquestionable authority, I
believe you to be an impudent rascal and common cheat."
The Hector was so amazed and confounded at the freedom of this
declaration, which he thought no man on earth would venture to make
in his presence, that, for some minutes, he could not recollect
himself; but at length whispered a challenge in the ear of our
hero, which was accordingly accepted.
Pages:
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741