It happened unfortunately for the peace of our neighbourhood that
this young lord had an old cunning rogue, or, as the Scots call it,
a false loon of a grandfather, that one might justly call a Jack-
of-all-Trades.* Sometimes you would see him behind his counter
selling broadcloth, sometimes measuring linen; next day he would be
dealing in merceryware. High heads, ribbons, gloves, fans, and lace
he understood to a nicety. Charles Mather could not bubble a young
beau better with a toy; nay, he would descend even to the selling of
tape, garters, and shoe-buckles. When shop was shut up he would go
about the neighbourhood and earn half-a-crown by teaching the young
men and maids to dance. By these methods he had acquired immense
riches, which he used to squander* away at back-sword,
quarter-staff, and cudgel-play, in which he took great pleasure, and
challenged all the country. You will say it is no wonder if Bull
and Frog should be jealous of this fellow. "It is not impossible,"
says Frog to Bull, "but this old rogue will take the management of
the young lord's business into his hands; besides, the rascal has
good ware, and will serve him as cheap as anybody. In that case, I
leave you to judge what must become of us and our families; we must
starve, or turn journeyman to old Lewis Baboon. Therefore,
neighbour, I hold it advisable that we write to young Lord Strutt to
know the bottom of this matter."

* The character and trade of the French nation.
** The King's disposition to war.



CHAPTER III. A Copy of Bull and Frog's Letter to Lord Strutt.