At this moment there smote upon his ears the unwelcome sound of mocking laughter that seemed familiar to him.

“Ho, ho, ho!  So the country bumpkin has found a mistress already!  So he has had to leave the fine ladies, and mate with one of his own sort after all!  Ho, ho, ho!  She has a neat foot and ankle, at any rate!  Let us see what sort of a face there is under the crimson hood!”

Tom felt the girl’s hand clutch fast hold of his arm, and his blood began to tingle in his veins.  He was mightily glad that he had buckled on his sword before coming out; although, as he had put on a heavy cloak, it was possible the bullies were not aware of that.

“Which house did your father enter, Mistress Rosamund?” he asked quickly.

“I did not note,” she answered, looking round with frightened eyes; “but methinks it was the one with the steps and the little recess.”

Tom, making a few rapid strides, whisked her quickly within the shelter of the doorway, saying, as coolly as might be: 

“Knock, and ask to join your father, if he be within.  I will soon settle these impudent fellows behind.”

Then he faced about quickly, just as the four bullies he had met before came swaggering up, ready for any mischief and fighting that might be afoot.

“Come, Master Greengoose, let’s see what sort of taste you have in faces!  You are a fine hand at making friends!  Let’s see how you fare with the ladies!

“Nay, mistress, do not turn so coyly away and draw your hood over those bright eyes—­”

But the speaker got no further, for Tom’s sword bad come flashing from its sheath, and with a quick turn of the wrist he hit the fellow full on the mouth with the hilt, so that he fell back spluttering and swearing, the blood starting from his lips.

“Is that enough,” said Tom sternly, “or will you have more?”

It was Thirsty Thring who had received the buffet, and he was the least disposed of all that worthy quartette to show fight to a resolute adversary; but Bully Bullen came swaggering up, drawing his sword with a great air of assurance.  He had been the hero of many a tavern brawl before, and reckoned his skill as something to be feared.

“So, young rooster!  Wouldst crow so lustily on your dung heap?  D’ye think you’re to be cock o’ the walk in all London town?  Are honest citizens to be set upon, and their teeth knocked out, to please your lusty humours?  Take that, you young cub, and learn manners to your betters!”

He made a fierce and sudden lunge at Tom as he spoke, expecting that he had an untrained and inexperienced adversary to deal with.  But Tom had had three lessons already from Captain Raikes, as well as bouts with Lord Claud by way of amusement; and with hardly a perceptible effort he parried the thrust, and making his keen blade twine round the clumsier one of his opponent, he jerked the weapon clean out of his hand, and sent it flying half across the road.