"Peas are doing finely," said Mr. Tubbs.

"Indeed!"

"If the weather holds, we can plant corn next week."

"Indeed!"

"Pray, sir," continued Tubbs, "did you come out in the last coach?"

"I did, sir."

"Was there a lady in the coach?"

"There was, sir. I recollect a lady sat next to me."

"_You scoundrel! what did you mean by insulting my wife_?"

This question was followed by a blow, which sent the young gentleman
sprawling on the floor. Tubbs stood him up, and knocked him down again
and again, like a man practising on a single pin in a bowling alley.
The sufferer showed some fight, but Tubbs's blood was up, and he
hammered down all opposition. The drivers looked on in admiration to
see "Old Tubbs vollop the chap as had insulted his wife," and so he
had it all his own way. He dragged the offender out of the office, and
finished him off on the sidewalk. He was engaged in this laudable
occupation, when his better half, tired of mounting guard over the
wheelbarrow, appeared upon the field.