Leave this dunghill cock to me, and I'll lower his crest." With this he pushed forward, and elbowing Sir Thomas rudely out of the way, turned round, and, instead of apologising, eyed him coolly and contemptuously from head to foot.
"Are you drunk, sir, that you forget your manners ?" asked Sir Thomas, laying his hand upon his sword.
"Not so drunk but that I know how to conduct myself like a gentleman, Sir Thomas," rejoined Nicholas, "which is more than can be said for a certain person of my acquaintance, who, for aught I know, has only taken his morning pint." "You wish to pick a quarrel with me, Master Nicholas Assheton, I perceive," said Sir Thomas, stepping close up to him, "and I will not disappoint you.

You shall render me good reason for this affront before I leave Whalley." "When and where you please, Sir Thomas," rejoined Nicholas, laughing.
"At any hour, and at any weapon, I am your man." At this moment, Master Potts, who had scented a quarrel afar, and who would have liked it well enough if its prosecution had not run counter to his own interests, quitted Roger Nowell, and ran back to Metcalfe, and plucking him by the sleeve, said, in a low voice-- "This is not the way to obtain quiet possession of Raydale House, Sir Thomas.

Master Nicholas Assheton," he added, turning to him, "I must entreat you, my good sir, to be moderate.

Gentlemen, both, I caution you that I have my eye upon you.

You well know there is a magistrate here, my singular good friend and honoured client, Master Roger Nowell, and if you pursue this quarrel further, I shall hold it my duty to have you bound over by that worthy gentleman in sufficient securities to keep the peace towards our sovereign lord the king and all his lieges, and particularly towards each other.