Page:History of Thomas Hickathrift (1).pdf/19

19 he would go far and near to meetings, as cudgel-play, bear-baiting, foot-ball and the like.

Now Tom was riding one day, he lighted off his horse to see the sport, for they were playing for a wager; Tom was a stranger and none did know him there; but Tom soon spoiled their sport; for he meeting the foot-ball, took it such a kick that they never found their ball more; they could see it fly, but whither none could tell; they all wondered at it, and began to quarrel with Tom; but some of them got nothing by it; for Tom got a spar, which belonged to a house that was blown down, and all that stood in his way he knocked down, so that all the country was up in arms to take Tom; but all in vain, for he manfully made way wherever he came.

When he was going from them, and returning homewards, he chanced to be somewhat late in the evening; on the road, their met four stout lusty rogues that had been robbing passengers that