But I soon
found the folly of judging from appearances; being at the second
pass wounded in the sword hand, and immediately disarmed with such
a jerk, that I thought the joint was dislocated. I was no less
confounded than enraged at this event, especially as my adversary
did not bear his success with all the moderation that might have
been expected; for he insisted upon my asking pardon for affronting
his king and him. This proposal I would by no means comply with,
but told him, it was a mean condescension, which no gentleman in
his circumstances ought to propose, nor any in my situation ought
to perform; and that, if he persisted in his ungenerous demand, I
would in my turn claim satisfaction with my musket, when we should
be more upon a par than with the sword, of which he seemed so much
master.
CHAPTER XLIV
In order to be revenged, I learn the Science of Defence--we join
Mareschal Duc de Noailles, are engaged with the Allies of Dettingen,
and put to flight--the behaviour of the French soldiers on that
occasion--I industriously seek another combat with the old Gascon,
and vanquish him in my turn--our regiment is put into Winter Quarters at
Rheims, where I find my friend Strap--our Recognition--he supplies
me with Money, and procures my Discharge--we take a trip to Paris;
from whence, by the way of Flanders, we set out for London; where
we safely arrive
He was disconcerted at this declaration, to which he made no reply,
but repaired to the dancers, among whom he recounted his victory
with many exaggerations and gasconades; while I, taking up my sword,
went to my quarters, and examined my wound, which I found was of
no consequence.
Pages:
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460