'Come, I'll meet you; I'll give you an appetiser--though hang me if I can understand the man that wants any enticement to hold up his hands.' I drew a bank-note out of my fob and tossed it to the landlord.

'There are the stakes,' said I.

'I'll fight you for first blood, since you seem to make so much work about it.

If you tap my claret first, there are five guineas for you, and I'll go with you to any squire you choose to mention.

If I tap yours, you'll perhaps let on that I'm the better man, and allow me to go about my lawful business at my own time and convenience, by God; is that fair, my lads ?' says I, appealing to the company.
'Ay, ay,' said the chorus of chawbacons; 'he can't say no fairer nor that, he can't.