 his foe, and in all appearance would have effectually
revenged the injury he had sustained, if he had not been prevented by the
interposition of a lacquey belonging to a nobleman, whose coach was obliged to
halt in consequence of the dispute. This footman, who was distinguished by a
cane, descending from his post, without the least ceremony or expostulation,
began to employ his weapon upon the head and shoulders of the peasant who had
been patronized by Pipes; upon which Thomas, resenting such ungenerous
behaviour, bestowed such a stomacher upon the officious inter-meddler, as
discomposed the whole oeconomy of his entrails, and obliged him to discharge the
interjection »ah!« with demonstrations of great anguish and amazement. The other
two footmen who stood behind the coach, seeing their fellow-servant so
insolently assaulted, flew to his assistance, and rained a most disagreeable
shower upon the head of his aggressor, who had no means of diversion or defence.
Peregrine, though he did not approve of Tom's conduct, could not bear to see him
so roughly handled, especially as he thought his own honour concerned in the
fray, and therefore quitting his machine, came to the rescue of his attendant,
and charged his adversaries sword in hand. Two of them no sooner perceived this
reinforcement, than they betook themselves to flight; and Pipes having twisted
the cane out of the hands of the third, belaboured him so unmercifully, that our
hero thought proper to interpose his authority in his behalf. The common people
stood aghast at this unprecedented boldness of Pickle, who understanding that
the person whose servants he had disciplined, was a general and prince of the
blood, went up to the coach, and asked pardon for what he had done, imputing his
own behaviour to his ignorance of the other's quality. The old nobleman accepted
of his apology with great politeness, thanking him for the trouble he had taken
to reform the manners of his domesticks; and guessing from our youth's
appearance that he was some stranger of condition, very courteously invited him
into the coach, on the supposition that they were both bound for the opera.
Pickle gladly embraced this opportunity of becoming acquainted with a person of
such rank, and ordering his own chariot to follow, accompanied the count to his
loge, where he conversed with him during the whole entertainment.
    He soon perceived that Peregrine was not deficient in spirit or sense, and
seemed particularly pleased with his engaging manner and easy deportment,
qualifications for which the English nation is by no means remarkable in France,
and therefore the more conspicuous and agreeable in the character
