The combatants were,
in point of strength and agility, pretty equally matched; but the
jailor had been regularly trained in the art of bruising: he had
more than once signalized himself in public, by his prowess and
skill in this exercise, and lost one eye upon the stage in the
course of his exploits. This was a misfortune of which Pipes did
not fail to take the advantage. He had already sustained several
hard knocks upon his temples and jaws, and found it impracticable
to smite his antagonist upon the victualling-office, so dexterously
was it defended against assault. He then changed his battery, and
being ambidexter, raised such a clatter upon the turnkey's blind
side, that this hero, believing him left-handed, converted his
attention that way, and opposed the unenlightened side of his face
to the right hand of Pipes, which being thus unprovided against,
slyly bestowed upon him a peg under the fifth rib, that in an instant
laid him senseless on the pavement, at the feet of his conqueror.
Pipes was congratulated upon his victory, not only by his friend
Hatchway, but also by all the by-standers, particularly the priest
who had espoused his cause, and now invited the strangers to his
lodgings in a neighbouring alehouse, where they were entertained
so much to their liking, that they determined to seek no other
habitation while they should continue in town; and, notwithstanding
the disgrace and discouragement they had met with, in their endeavours
to serve our adventurer, they were still resolved to persevere in
their good offices, or, in the vulgar phrase, to see him out.
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