"
"I would fight with proadswords, and sink point on the first
plood drawn--like a gentlemans."
A loud shout of laughter followed the proposal, which indeed had
rather escaped from poor Robin's swelling heart, than been the
dictate of his sober judgment.
"Gentleman, quotha!" was echoed on all sides, with a shout of
unextinguishable laughter; "a very pretty gentleman, God wot.
--Canst get two swords for the gentleman to fight with, Ralph
Heskett?"
"No, but I can send to the armoury at Carlisle, and lend them two
forks, to be making shift with in the meantime."
"Tush, man," said another, "the bonny Scots come into the world
with the blue bonnet on their heads, and dirk and pistol at their
belt."
"Best send post," said Mr. Fleecebumpkin, "to the Squire of Corby
Castle, to come and stand second to the GENTLEMAN."
In the midst of this torrent of general ridicule, the Highlander
instinctively griped beneath the folds of his plaid,
"But it's better not," he said in his own language. "A hundred
curses on the swine-eaters, who know neither decency nor
civility!"
"Make room, the pack of you," he said, advancing to the door.
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