will think they have any right to call me coward; though I again
declare my fixed resolution against fighting."

'Just as he said this, a voice calling for help, was heard from a
lane adjoining to the play-yard. Immediately we all flocked to
the side nearest whence it proceeded; and, clambering upon
benches, watering-pots, or whatever came first in our way, peeped
over the wall, where we discovered two well-grown lads, about
seventeen or eighteen, stripping a little boy of his clothes, and
beating him for his outcries in a most cruel manner; and at a
little distance farther down the lane, sat a company of gypsies,
to whom the two lads evidently belonged. At the sight of this we
were all much distressed, and wished to relieve the boy; though,
discovering so large a party, we were too much afraid to venture,
till Tomkins (the boy I before spoke about) instantly jumped from
the wall, and only saying, "Has nobody courage to follow me?" ran
toward them as fast as possible, and with uncommon strength and
agility placed himself between them and the boy, and began
defending himself in the best manner he could; which he did for
some time with great dexterity, none of his fighting schoolfellows
having courage to go to his assistance. At length, however,
seeing it impossible for him to stand out any longer against two
so much stronger than himself, the boys agreed to secure
themselves by numbers, and to sally forth to his assistance
altogether. This scheme succeeded, and very shortly rescued
Tomkins from his antagonists. He thanked them for their
assistance, saying, at the same time, "I hope you will no longer
doubt my courage, or my abilities to fight, when it is necessary
or in a good cause." After so signal a proof of his viler, his
greatest enemies could no longer doubt it; and, without ever