He was never more astonished in the whole course of his life.
Peace, who was wonderfully agile at this time, had given him no time for reflection, and to say the truth the rustic had never counted on this novel mode of attack.
He was partially stunned by the fall, but recovering himself a little he rose to his feet. Peace did not give him time to pull himself together, but again ducking his head and running forward with all his might he again laid his foe prostrate.
“Now then, my fine fellow, that will teach you to be a little more cautious. You are too great a coward to hit one of your own size.”
Once more the man regained his feet, but it was evident enough from his staggering that he had been seriously injured.
Wild with fury at being mastered by so insignificant-looking man as Peace, he rushed forward to annihilate if possible his active and cunning adversary.
He let fly with his right and left, but Peace was far too artful to allow him to get within reach; he again sprang back and, whirling round the stick he carried, he delivered a terrific blow therewith on the countryman’s right temple.
Peace’s dog “Gip” now sprang at the man and laid hold of one of his legs.
The countryman cried out “Murder!” several times.
“Call yer dog off—call him off! It bean’t fair.”