was running along the street,
with my tyrant behind me, Sergeant Broughton seized me by the arm.
"Stop, my boy," said he; "I have frequently seen that scamp ill-treating
you; now I will teach you how to send him home with a bloody nose; down
with your bag of books; and now, my game chick," whispered he to me,
placing himself between me and my adversary, so that he could not observe
his motions; "clench your fist in this manner, and hold your arms in
this, and when he strikes at you, move them as I now show you, and he
can't hurt you; now, don't be afraid, but go at him." I confess that I
was somewhat afraid, but I considered myself in some degree under the
protection of the famous Sergeant, and, clenching my fist, I went at my
foe, using the guard which my ally recommended. The result corresponded
to a certain degree with the predictions of the Sergeant; I gave my foe a
bloody nose and a black eye, though, notwithstanding my recent lesson in
the art of self-defence, he contrived to give me two or three clumsy
blows. From that moment I was the especial favourite of the Sergeant,
who gave me farther lessons, so that in a little time I became a very
fair boxer, beating everybody of my own size who attacked me. The old
gentleman, however, made me promise never to be quarrelsome, nor to turn
his instructions to account, except in self-defence. I have always borne
in mind my promise, and have made it a point of conscience never to fight
unless absolutely compelled. Folks may rail against boxing if they
please, but being able to box may sometimes stand a quiet man in good
stead. How should I have fared to-day, but for the instructions of
Sergeant Broughton? But for them, the brutal ruffian who insulted me
must have passed unpunished. He will not soon forget the lesson which I
have just given him--the only lesson he could understand. What would
have been the use of reasoning with a fellow of that description? Brave
old Broughton! I owe him much.'

'And your manner of fighting,' said I, 'was the manner employed by
Sergeant Broughton?'

'Yes,' said my new acquaintance; 'it was the manner in which he beat
every one who attempted to contend with him, till, in an evil hour, he
entered the ring with Slack, {162a} without any training or preparation,
and by a chance blow lost the battle to a man who had been beaten with
ease by those who, in the hands of Broughton, appeared like so many
children. It was the way of fighti