It must not, however, be supposed that I gained the enviable situation
of _Poor Jack_ until I had been some time on the beach. There are
competitors for every place, even the most humble; and there was no want
of competitors for this office among the many idle boys who frequented
the beach. When I first plied there, I was often pushed away by those
who were older and stronger than myself, with a "Go along with you! He's
not poor Jack--I'm poor Jack, your honor." This, at first, I submitted
to; taking my chance for a stray halfpenny, which was occasionally
thrown to me, trusting to my activity in being the first down to the
boat, or to my quickness in a scramble. I never quarreled with the other
boys, for I was remarkable for my good temper. The first idea I had of
resistance was from oppression. One of the boys, who was older and
taller than myself, attempted to take away a sixpence which I had gained
in a scramble. Before that, I had not resented being pushed away, or
even when they threw water or mud at me; but this was an act of violence
which I could not put up with: the consequence was a fight; in which, to
my surprise (for I was not aware of my strength), as well as to the
surprise of the bystanders, I proved victorious, beating my opponent
until he reeled into the water, following him up until he tumbled, and
then holding his head down in the mud until he was almost stifled. I
then allowed him to get up, and he went home crying to his mother. For
this feat I was rewarded with the plaudits of the old pensioners and
others who were looking on, and with a shilling which was thrown to me
from the window of the inn. Ben the Whaler, who had witnessed the fray,
told me, the next day, that I handled my fists remarkably well, and that
I had but to keep a higher guard and I should fight well. He was an old
pugilist himself, and he gave me a few directions which I did not
forget. I soon had occasion to put them into practice; for, two days
afterward, another boy, bigger than myself, as I was plying as "Poor