Don't blame me for this public interference.

You have brought it upon yourself; not I.' 'Sit down, beggar!' screamed Squeers, almost beside himself with rage, and seizing Smike as he spoke.
'Wretch,' rejoined Nicholas, fiercely, 'touch him at your peril! I will not stand by, and see it done.

My blood is up, and I have the strength of ten such men as you.

Look to yourself, for by Heaven I will not spare you, if you drive me on!' 'Stand back,' cried Squeers, brandishing his weapon.
'I have a long series of insults to avenge,' said Nicholas, flushed with passion; 'and my indignation is aggravated by the dastardly cruelties practised on helpless infancy in this foul den.

Have a care; for if you do raise the devil within me, the consequences shall fall heavily upon your own head!' He had scarcely spoken, when Squeers, in a violent outbreak of wrath, and with a cry like the howl of a wild beast, spat upon him, and struck him a blow across the face with his instrument of torture, which raised up a bar of livid flesh as it was inflicted.