Page:Paul Clifford Vol 1.djvu/242

212 received his advances very sullenly. This coolness so incensed Ned, who was naturally choleric, that he turned his back on our hero, and being of an aristocratic spirit, muttered something about "upstart, and vulgar clyfakers being admitted to the company of swell Tobymen." This murmur called all Paul's blood into his cheek; for though he had been punished as a clyfaker, (or pickpocket,) nobody knew better than Long Ned whether or not he was innocent; and a reproach from him came therefore with double injustice and severity. He seized, in his wrath, Mr. Pepper by the ear, and, telling him he was a shabby scoundrel, challenged him to fight.

So pleasing an invitation not being announced sotto voce, but in a tone suited to the importance of the proposition, every one around heard it; and before Long Ned could answer, the full voice of Gentleman George thundered forth—

"Keep the peace there, you youngster. What! are you just admitted into our merry-makings, and must you be wrangling already? Harkye, Gemmen, I have been plagued enough with your quarrels before now, and the first cove as breaks