The Broad Highway

"Job," returned the smith, "I don't chuck a man into t' road and

talk wi' 'im both in the same day."

In this conversation I bore no part, busying myself in drawing

out a wide circle in the dust, a proceeding watched by the others

with much interest, and not a few wondering comments.

"What be goin' to du wi' 'ammer, Jarge?" inquired the Ancient.

"Why," explained the smith, "this chap thinks 'e can throw it

further nor me." At this there was a general laugh. "If so be

'e can," pursued Black George, "then 'e comes to work for me at

'is own price, but if I beat 'im, then 'e must stand up to me wi'

'is fists for ten minutes."

"Ten minutes!" cried a voice; "'e won't last five--see if 'e do."

"Feel sorry for un," said a second, "'e do be so pale as a sheet

a'ready."

"So would you be if you was in 'is shoes!" chimed in a third;

whereat there was a general laugh.

Indeed, as, I looked round the ring of grinning, unresponsive

faces, it was plain to see that all sympathy was against the

stranger, as is the way of bird, beast, fish, but especially man,

the world over--and I experienced a sudden sense of loneliness

which was, I think, only natural. Yet, as I put up my hand to

loose the strap of my knapsack, I encountered another already

there, and, turning, beheld Simon the Innkeeper.

"If it do come to fightin'," he whispered close in my ear, "if it

do come to fightin', and I'm fair sure it will, keep away as much

as you can; you look quick on your pins. Moreover, whatever you

do, watch 'is right, and when you do see a chance to strike, go

for 'is chin--a little to one side--and strike danged 'ard!"

"Many thanks for your friendly advice," said I, with a grateful

nod and, slipping off my coat, would have handed it to him but

that the Ancient hobbled up, and, taking it from me, folded it

ostentatiously across his arm.

"Mark my words, Simon," said he, "this young chap is as like what

I were at his age as one pea is to another--I says so, and I

means so."

"Come," said Black George, at this juncture, "I've work waitin'

to be done, and my forge fire will be out."

"I'm quite ready," said I, stepping forward. It was now arranged

that, standing alternately within the circle, we should each have

three throws--whoever should make the two best throws to win.

Hereupon, the smith took his place within the circle, hammer in

hand.