emselves with bludgeons and
other weapons, and had taken a position on the tables. They were more
than two to one against us, and there was a dreadful fight, as their
resistance was very desperate. Our sailors were obliged to use their
cutlasses, and for a few minutes I was quite bewildered with the
shouting and swearing, pushing and scuffling, collaring and fighting,
together with the dust raised up, which not only blinded, but nearly
choked me. By the time that my breath was nearly squeezed out of my
body, our sailors got the best of it, which the landlady and women of
the house perceiving, they put out all the lights, so that I could not
tell where I was; but our sailors had every one seized his man, and
contrived to haul him out of the street door, where they were collected
together, and secured.

Now again I was in great difficulty; I had been knocked down and trod
upon, and when I did contrive to get up again, I did not know the
direction in which the door lay. I felt about by the wall, and at last
came to a door, for the room at that time was nearly empty, the women
having followed the men out of the house. I opened it, and found that
it was not the right one, but led into a little side parlour, where
there was a fire, but no lights. I had just discovered my mistake, and
was about to retreat, when I was shoved in from behind, and the key
turned upon me; there I was, all alone, and, I must acknowledge, very
much frightened, as I thought that the vengeance of the women would be
wreaked upon me. I peeped through the key-hole, and perceived that the
candles were re-lighted, and that there were only women in the room, who
were talking all at once, and not thinking about me. But in a minute or
two, a women came in from the street, with her long black hair hanging
about her shoulders, and her cap in her hand. "Well," cried she,
"they've nabbed my husband; but I'll be dished if I hav'n't boxed up the
midship-mite in that parlour, and he shall take his place." I thought I
should have died when I looked at the woman, and perceived her coming up
to the door, followed by some others, to unlock it. As the door opened,
I drew my dirk, resolving to die like an officer, and as they advanced,
I retreated to a corner, brandishing my dirk, without saying a word.
"Vell," cried the woman who had made me a prisoner, "I do declare I
likes to see a puddle in a storm--only look at the little
biscuit-nibbler showing fight! Com