a reward
to me for my exertions. Draw them up, therefore, that I may make my
choice!'

'Then, sir, we are upon the same errand,' quoth the Londoner, bowing
with his hand over his heart, until his sword seemed to point straight
up to the ceiling. 'The Honourable George Dawnish, at your service! Your
very humble and devoted servant, sir! Yours to command in any or
all ways. It is a real joy and privilege to me, sir, to make your
distinguished acquaintance. Hem!'

The country squire appeared to be somewhat taken aback at this shower
of London compliments. 'Ahem, sir! Yes, sir!' said he, bobbing his head.
'Glad to see you, sir! Most damnably so! But these men, sergeant? Time
presses, for to-morrow is Shepton market, and I would fain see my old
twenty-score boar once more before he is sold. There is a beefy one.
I'll have him.'

'Ged, I've forestalled you,' cried the courtier. 'Sink me, but it gives
me real pain. He is mine.'

'Then this,' said the other, pointing with his whip.

'He is mine, too. Heh, heh, heh! Strike me stiff, but this is too
funny!'

'Od's wounds! How many are yours!' cried the Dulverton squire.

'A dozen. Heh, heh! A round dozen. All those who stand upon this side.
Pink me, but I have got the best of you there! The early bird--you know
the old saw!'

'It is a disgrace,' the squire cried hotly. 'A shame and a disgrace. We
must needs fight for the King and risk our skins, and then when all is
done, down come a drove of lacqueys in waiting, and snap up the pickings
before their betters are served.'

'Lacqueys in waiting, sir!' shrieked the exquisite. 'S'death, sir! This
toucheth mine honour very nearly! I have seen blood flow, yes, sir, and
wounds gape on less provocation. Retract, sir, retract!'

'Away, you clothes-pole!' cried the other contemptuously. 'You are come
like the other birds of carrion when the fight is o'er. Have you been
named in full Parliament? Are you a local pillar? Away, away, you
tailor's dummy!'

'You insolent clodhopper!' cried the fop. 'You most foul-mouthed
bumpkin! The only local pillar that you have ever deserved to make
acquaintance with is the whipping-post. Ha, sergeant, he lays his
hand upon his sword! Stop him, sergeant, stop him, or I may do him an
injury.'

'Nay, gentlemen,' cried the under officer. 'This quarrel must not
continue here. We must have no brawling within the prison. Yet there is
a level turf without, and as fine elbow-room as a gentleman coul