I saw a countenance lean like a starved wolf, with great weals as of old wounds on cheek and brow.

But only for a, second, for as I balanced myself to step forward he rammed the butt of the pole in my chest, so that I staggered and fell plump in the river.
The water was only up to my middle, but before I could clamber back he had shipped his oars, and was well into the centre of the stream.
I stood staring like a zany, while black anger filled my heart.

I plucked my pistol forth, and for a second was on the verge of murder, for I could have shot him like a rabbit.

But God mercifully restrained my foolish passion, and presently the boat and the rower vanished in the evening haze.
"This is a bonny beginning!" thought I, as I waded through the mud to the shore.

I was wearing my best clothes in honour of my arrival, and they were all fouled and plashing.
Then on the bank above me I saw the fellow who had run into me and hindered my catching Muckle John on dry land.