CHAPTER TWO.
HOW I SERVED A DISORDERLY PRINTER.
My assailants were a mixed crew, some being lackeys of the half-drowned gallant, some constables of the watch, others idle swashbucklers ready to lend a hand to any cause and against any man for a pot of ale.

But they took no advantage from hiring themselves against a poor 'prentice from without Temple Bar, for they got sore heads for their pains.
I myself could not do over much till my comrades arrived, for I was in an open place and could not see all sides of me at once.

So, after three of them had gone down, I was well-nigh being mastered by the rest, but for the timely help of my honest club-fellows.
Foremost among these who should come but honest Will Peake, my late enemy, who, when it was a matter between 'prentices and Court bullies, forgot all old sores, and laid about him like a man.

Behind him came a score or two of honest lads, some of my ward, some of others; and between us all you may judge if the numskulls who set upon me had a merry time of it.

We left them mostly on the ground in a sorry plight, and the rest we sent packing back to them that owned them, with a message to send a few of better mettle than they if they wanted to catch us.
Then, as the messengers did not return, we gave loud cheers for the Queen, and went each our several ways.
As for me, I was in no humour for the noisy company even of my own fellows, and excused myself from a march home through the wards.