forbearance; whilst the other three parts, with still greater noise,
only called him a bully and a mean-spirited coward, who dared not fight,
and for that reason made such a fine speech, hoping to intimidate them.
"Well then," said he, "if such is your opinion, why will none of you
accept my offer? you surely cannot be afraid, you who are such brave
fellows, of such true courage, and such noble spirits, cannot be afraid
of a coward and a bully! Why, therefore, does not one of you step
forward, and put my fine speech to the test? Otherwise, after I have
thus challenged you all, I hope none for the future will think they have
any right to call me coward; though I again declare my fixed resolution
against fighting."

'Just as he said this, a voice calling for help, was heard from a lane
adjoining to the play-yard. Immediately we all flocked to the
side nearest whence it proceeded; and, clambering upon benches,
watering-pots, or whatever came first in our way, peeped over the wall,
where we discovered two well-grown lads, about seventeen or eighteen,
stripping a little boy of his clothes, and beating him for his outcries
in a most cruel manner; and at a little distance farther down the lane,
sat a company of gypsies, to whom the two lads evidently belonged. At
the sight of this we were all much distressed, and wished to relieve the
boy; though, discovering so large a party, we were too much afraid to
venture, till Tomkins (the boy I before spoke about) instantly jumped
from the wall, and only saying, "Has nobody courage to follow me?" ran
toward them as fast as possible, and with uncommon strength and agility
placed himself between them and the boy, and began defending himself
in the best manner he could; which he did for some time with great
dexterity, none of his fighting schoolfellows having courage to go to
his assistance. At length, however, seeing it impossible for him to
stand out any longer against two so much stronger than himself, the
boys agreed to secure themselves by numbers, and to sally forth to his
assistance altogether. This scheme succeeded, and very shortly rescued
Tomkins from his antagonists. He thanked them for their assistance,
saying, at the same time, "I hope you will no longer doubt my courage,
or my abilities to fight, when it is necessary or in a good cause."
After so signal a proof of his viler, his greatest enemies could no
longer doubt it; and, without ever engaging in foolish battles, he
pass