Well, as I was saying, thinking the gallants with whom I was conversing would back me, and perceiving Mounchensey approach us, I thought I might venture"-- "Venture!" repeated Sir Giles, scornfully.

"Let not such a disgraceful word pass your lips." "I mean, I thought I might take occasion to affront him.

Whereupon I cocked my hat fiercely, as I have seen you and Captain Bludder do, Sir Giles." "Couple me not with the Alsatian, I pray of you, Sir Francis," observed the extortioner, sharply.
"Your pardon, Sir Giles--your pardon! But as I was saying, I regarded him with a scowl, and tapped the hilt of my sword.

And what think you the ruffianly fellow did?
I almost blush at the bare relation of it.
Firstly, he plucked off my hat, telling me I ought to stand bareheaded in the presence of gentlemen.

Next, he tweaked my nose, and as I turned round to avoid him, he applied his foot--yes, his foot--to the back of my trunk-hose; and well was it that the hose were stoutly wadded and quilted.