A strapping man-o’-war’s-man sat near the door, his jacket thrown open and his great chest bared, and when he perceived me he was in the act of proposing a catch; ‘twas “The Great Bell o’ Lincoln,” I believe; and he held a brimming cup of bumbo in his hand.  In his surprise he set it awkwardly down again, thereby spilling full half of it.  “Avast,” says he, with an oath, “what’s this come among us?” and he looked me over with a comical eye.  “A d-d provincial,” he went on scornfully, “but a gentleman’s son, or Jack Ball’s a liar.”  Whereupon his companions rose from their seats and crowded round me.  More than one reeled against me.  And though I was somewhat awed by the strangeness of that dark, ill-smelling room, and by the rough company in which I found myself, I held my ground, and spoke up as strongly as I might.

“Weld, the butcher’s apprentice, bids me say he will fight any man among you single-handed.”

“So ho, my little gamecock, my little schooner with a swivel,” said he who had called himself Jack Ball, “and where can this valiant butcher be found?”

“He waits in the street,” I answered more boldly.

“Split me fore and aft if he waits long,” said Jack, draining the rest of his rum.  And picking me up as easily as did Weld he rushed out of the door, and after him as many of his mates as could walk or stagger thither.

In the meantime the news had got abroad in the street that the butcher’s apprentice was to fight one of the Hawk’s men, and when I emerged from the tavern the crowd had doubled, and people were running hither in all haste from both directions.  But that fight was never to be.  Big Jack Ball had scarce set me down and shouted a loud defiance, shaking his fist at Weld, who stood out opposite, when a soldierly man on a great horse turned the corner and wheeled between the combatants.  I knew at a glance it was Captain Clapsaddle, and guiltily wished myself at the Governor’s.  The townspeople knew him likewise, and many were slinking away even before he spoke, as his charger stood pawing the ground.

“What’s this I hear, you villain,” said he to Weld, in his deep, ringing voice, “that you have not only provoked a row with one of the King’s sailors, but have dared send a child into that tavern with your fool’s message?”

Weld was awkward and sullen enough, and no words came to him.

“Your tongue, you sot,” the captain went on, drawing his sword in his anger, “is it true you have made use of a gentleman’s son for your low purposes?”

But Weld was still silent, and not a sound came from either side until old Robbins spoke up.

“There are many here can say I warned him, your honour,” he said.

“Warned him!” cried the captain.  “Mr. Carvel has just given you twenty pounds for your wife, and you warned him!”

Robbins said no more; and the butcher’s apprentice, hanging his head, as well he might before the captain, I was much moved to pity for him, seeing that my forwardness had in some sense led him on.