himself to a bell that stood by his bedside, which he rung with
great violence and perseverance.

This alarm put an immediate stop to the disputation of the three
doctors, who, upon this notice of his being awake, rushed into his
chamber, without ceremony; and two of them seizing his arms, the third
made the like application to one of his temples. Before the patient
could recollect himself from the amazement which had laid hold on him
at this unexpected irruption, the room was filled by the rest of the
faculty, who followed the servant that entered in obedience to his
master's call; and the bed was in a moment surrounded by these gaunt
ministers of death. The colonel seeing himself beset with such an
assemblage of solemn visages and figures, which he had always considered
with the utmost detestation and abhorrence, was incensed to a most
inexpressible degree of indignation; and so inspirited by his rage, that
though his tongue denied its office, his other limbs performed their
functions. He disengaged himself from the triumvirate, who had taken
possession of his body, sprung out of bed with incredible agility, and,
seizing one of his crutches, applied it so effectually to one of the
three, just as he stooped to examine the patient's water, that his
tie-periwig dropped into the pot, while he himself fell motionless on
the floor.

This significant explanation disconcerted the whole fraternity; every
man turned his face, as if it were by instinct, towards the door;
and the retreat of the community being obstructed by the efforts of
individuals, confusion and tumultuous uproar ensued. For the colonel,
far from limiting his prowess to the first exploit, handled his weapon
with astonishing vigour and dexterity, without respect of persons; so
that few or none of them had escaped without marks of his displeasure,
when his spirits failed, and he sank down again quite exhausted on his
bed. Favoured by this respite, the discomfited faculty collected their
hats and wigs, which had fallen off in the fray; and perceiving the
assailant too much enfeebled to renew the attack, set up their throats
together, and loudly threatened to prosecute him severely for such an
outrageous assault.

By this time the landlord had interposed; and, inquiring into the
cause of the disturbance, was informed of what had happened by the
complainants, who, at the same time, giving him to understand that
they had been severally summoned to attend the col