Yes, sir; I!--

Insolent scoundrel!--

No gentleman, sir, can suffer such language; and I insist upon
satisfaction.--And accordingly my champion drew his sword. His
antagonist, looking on him with ineffable contempt, answered he would
take some proper opportunity to cane him as he deserved.

I own I was amazed. I reasoned a short time with myself, and concluded
the person was mistaken; for that it was impossible for any man to
counterfeit so much ease, or behave with so much propriety, who was not
a gentleman. I therefore thought proper to interfere, and told the
intruder that, having given an insult, he ought not to be afraid of
giving satisfaction--

And pray, sir, said he, who are you?

A gentleman, sir, answered I--

Yes. As good a one as your companion, I suppose--

You know, Fairfax, it is not customary with me to suffer insolence to
triumph unchastised, and I ordered him immediately to draw.

What, sir, in this place, said he? Follow me, if you have any valour to
spare.

His spirit pleased me, and I followed. I know not what became of the
fellow, whose cause I had espoused; for I saw him no more.