“I object to your destroying my property, sir,” said the host. “It is a wanton injustice to do such a thing in a peaceable house. Have done, sir. The damage already here will cost a pretty penny!”
“What, would so brawny a fellow as yourself cry out about an injustice?” demanded the giant. “Would you prefer to make a complaint of the tongue rather than one of the hand? Surely a fist like that of yours was made for brisker work than you do. Come then,” and here he shattered another chair upon the oaken floor. “You will do something to prevent the like again, I’m sure.”
“I am not given to the bandying of blows,” said the landlord, who for all his bulk was soft and ill conditioned. “It is not my trade, sir; I ask you if you be a gentleman to cease your mad behavior.”
And with this mild admonition, the host, seeing his obstreperous guest advancing toward him, retreated down the room in the direction of the table at which sat Ben Cooper and Master Bleekwood. The latter turned nervously to the boy, and said:
“One always meets with conduct such as this in a crowded inn. It is most unseemly and objectionable; and its effect upon my weakened nervous state is ill, indeed.”
As the landlord’s retreat was a trifle hasty, the advance of the giant did not come up with him; he had entered the kitchen and closed the door by the time his pursuer had covered half the distance, and so the huge young man leaned against a table and held forth as to cowardice.
“He who will not risk his great carcass in defense of his property is a poltroon,” delivered he, loudly. “If any were to do the like by me, I’d fight him if I had but one leg to stand on.”
As it chanced the table against which he leaned was that of Bleekwood and Ben; and as he continued to volley forth, the former touched him upon the arm and ventured mildly:
“I ask your pardon, sir, but if you have no very serious objections would you select another leaning place?” And as the giant turned and glared down at him, he hastily continued as though in explanation: “You see, your present attitude is somewhat interfering with my comfort, and as I am a person of no very robust health I must look to it that my comfort is not taken from me.”
“Ah,” said the giant, “and so you must look to your comfort, must you? Well, Mr. Longshanks, I’ll see what I can do to aid you in that.” And with that he stretched out one huge hand, gripped Master Bleekwood and dragged him to his feet. “Your comfort must not be interfered with, do you say, my gentleman?” demanded the giant. “Ah, well, let us see what can be done to add to it, for one like you should be coddled, indeed.”