When they arrived next morning
upon the field, the gamester, arming his countenance with all its
terrors, advanced with a sword of a monstrous length, and, putting
himself in a posture, called out aloud in a most terrific voice,
"Draw, d--n ye, draw; I will this instant send you to your fathers."
The youth was not slow in complying with his desire; his weapon was
unsheathed in a moment, and he began the attack with such unexpected
spirit and address, that his adversary, having made shift with
great difficulty to parry the first pass, retreated a few paces,
and demanded a parley, in which he endeavoured to persuade the
young man, that to lay a man of his character under the necessity
of chastising his insolence, was the most rash and inconsiderate
step that he could possibly have taken; but that he had compassion
upon his youth, and was willing to spare him if he would surrender
his sword, and promise to ask pardon in public for the offence
he had given. Pickle was so much exasperated at this unparalleled
effrontery, that, without deigning to make the least reply, he
flung his own hat in the proposer's face, and renewed the charge
with such undaunted agility, that the gamester, finding himself in
manifest hazard of his life, betook himself to his heels, and fled
homewards with incredible speed, being closely pursued by Peregrine,
who, having sheathed his sword, pelted him with stones as he ran,
and compelled him to go, that same day, into banishment from Bath,
where he had domineered so long.
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