As for using his whistle, the opportunity, of course, was not afforded him; and, moreover, he had no breath to spare for such a purpose.

Breath, however, was also a desideratum with the poacher, and the more so inasmuch as he accompanied every blow--as Brian de Bois-Guilbert was wont to hammer home his mace-strokes with "Ha! Beauseant, Beauseant!"-- with some amazing oath.
It is recorded of an American gentleman, much given to blasphemy, that he could entertain "an intelligent companion" for half a day with the mere force and ingenuity of his expletives; and this singular talent seemed to be shared by Richard Yorke's antagonist.

That one of the most accomplished roughs of the Midlands had fallen to the young painter's lot in that night's _melee_, he could not for a moment doubt; but this reflection did not go far to soothe him.

He did not care for fighting for its own sake, while his pride revolted against thus being kept at bay by a brutal clown.

If he could but get the chance, he made up his mind to end this matter once for all, and at last the opportunity seemed to be afforded.