"A week ago, I disagreed upon a question of great delicacy with a certain gentleman who shall be nameless.

The obvious result attended our disagreement, and we fought 'neath the eyes of a vast company of spectators.

Right was on my side, and the gentleman hurt himself upon my sword.

Well, sir, the crowd snarled at me as though it were my fault that this had so befallen, and I flouted the crowd in answer.

They were a hundred opposed to one, and so confident did this circumstance render them of their superiority, that for once those whelps displayed sufficient valour to attack me.