ves it to
be characteristic of his countrymen. This formidable person, who was no
other than the renowned Figg, the "Atlas of the sword," as he is termed
by Captain Godfrey, had removed his hat and "skull covering," and was
wiping the heat from his bepatched and close-shaven pate. His shirt also
was unbuttoned, and disclosed a neck like that of an ox, and a chest
which might have served as a model for a Hercules. He had a flattish,
perhaps, it should be called, a _flattened_ nose, and a brown,
leathern-looking hide, that seemed as if it had not unfrequently
undergone the process of tanning. Under his arm he carried a thick,
knotted crab-stick. The above description of

--the great Figg, by the prize-fighting swains
Sole monarch acknowledged of Mary'bone plains--

may sound somewhat tame by the side of the glowing account given of him
by his gallant biographer, who asserts that "there was a majesty shone
in his countenance, and blazed in his actions, beyond all I ever saw;"
but it may, possibly, convey a more accurate notion of his personal
appearance. James Figg was the most perfect master of self-defence of
his day. Seconded by his strength and temper, his skill rendered him
invincible and he is reputed never to have lost a battle. His
imperturbable demeanour in the fight has been well portrayed by Captain
Godfrey, who here condescends to lay aside his stilts. "His right leg
bold and firm, and his left, which could hardly ever be disturbed, gave
him a surprising advantage, and struck his adversary with despair and
panic. He had a peculiar way of stepping in, in a parry; knew his arm,
and its just time of moving; put a firm faith in that, and never let his
opponent escape. He was just as much a greater master than any other I
ever saw, as he was a greater judge of time and measure." Figg's prowess
in a combat with Button has been celebrated by Dr. Byrom,--a poet of
whom his native town, Manchester, may be justly proud; and his features
and figure have been preserved by the most illustrious of his companions
on the present occasion,--Hogarth,--in the levee in the "Rake's
Progress," and in "Southwark Fair."

On the appearance of his visitors, Sheppard arose,--his gyves clanking
heavily as he made the movement,--and folding his arms, so far as his
manacles would permit him, upon his breast, steadily returned the
glances fixed upon him.

"This is the noted house-breaker and prison-breaker, gentlemen," said
Mr. P