sledge-hammer, struck the physician to the ground.

In a trice, however, by the assistance of his female second, he was on
his legs again, and grappling with his antagonist, endeavoured to tip
him a fall, but instead of accomplishing his purpose, he received a
cross-buttock, and the brewer throwing himself upon him as he fell, had
well-nigh smothered him on the spot. The amazon flew to his assistance,
and Tapley showing no inclination to get up, she smote him on the temple
till he roared. The male second hastening to the relief of his
principal, made application to the eyes of the female, which were
immediately surrounded with black circles; and she returned the salute
with a blow, which brought a double stream of blood from his nostrils,
greeting him at the same time with the opprobrious appellation of a lousy
son of a b---h. A combat more furious than the first would now have
ensued, had not Felton interposed with an air of authority, and insisted
on the man's leaving the field, an injunction which he forthwith obeyed,
saying, "Well, damme, Felton, you're my friend and commander; I'll obey
your order--but the b---h will be foul of me before we sleep."--Then
Felton advancing to his opponent, "Madam," said he, "I'm very sorry to
see a lady of your rank and qualifications expose yourself in this manner
--for God's sake, behave with a little more decorum, if not for the sake
of your own family, at least for the credit of your sex in general."--
"Hark ye, Felton," said she, "decorum is founded upon a delicacy of
sentiment and deportment, which cannot consist with the disgraces of a
jail, and the miseries of indigence.--But I see the dispute is now
terminated, and the money is to be drank; if you'll dine with us you
shall be welcome; if not, you may die in your sobriety, and be d--ned."

By this time the doctor had given out, and allowed the brewer to be the
better man; yet he would not honour the festival with his presence, but