like _fudge!_ and the things were put into
a handkerchief and carried off into the town. When the drum-major had
left us, the same boy came up to me, and called me a liar, stating that
he had a great mind to thresh me; and, as a proof of his inclination, he
attempted to seize my nose between his finger and thumb. I got in a
rage, and told him, if he ventured to touch me, I would fell him to the
ground; when all the boys gathered round us, and said, "Well done,
Johnny Raw!"--"Well done, old leather-breeches!"--"That's right, Johnny
Wapstraw!" Finding that I did not venture to strike the first blow, my
antagonist called me a coward. This I knew I was not; so, as I could
submit to his insolence no longer, I struck him, and to it we went in
right earnest. After half a dozen rounds my opponent gave in. This, my
first victory, established that I was neither a coward nor to be hoaxed
with impunity. Eulogiums were showered down upon me, and the shouting
and uproar were beyond description. I understood afterwards that he was
a great bully, and always fighting. Our boxing-match had just concluded,
when the drum-major entered, and produced the proceeds of my clothes;
viz., L1 1s. 6d. for a new hat, coat, waistcoat, and leathers: a fair
price, some said; while others thought they ought to have fetched thirty
shillings; but I was very well satisfied, and stood hot rolls and butter
to all around, not forgetting my antagonist, who shook hands, and said
it was the first time he had ever been beaten, and that he would some
day, in friendship, have another trial. I assured him that I should be
at any time at his service, and thus this matter ended.

After this I went into town, to purchase a few requisites, such as a
powder-bag, puff, soap, candles, grease, &c.; and, having procured what
I stood in need of, I returned to my barrack, where I underwent the
operation of having my hair tied for the first time, to the no small
amusement of all the boys assembled. A large piece of candle-grease was
applied, first to the sides of my head, then to the hind long hair;
after this, the same kind of operation was performed with nasty stinking
soap--sometimes the man who was dressing me applying his knuckles,
instead of the soap, to the delight of the surrounding boys, who were
bursting their sides with laughter, to see the tears roll down my
cheeks. When this operation was over, I had to go through one of a more
serious nature. A large pad, or bag f