"Shut up, will 'ee; 'e edent licked yet."
His crestfallen adherents were silent. In the meantime some of the crowd had brought water to bathe and refresh the youthful gladiators. An old horse trough was used by Bob and a battered field kibbel[5] by Ande. The first round was manifestly Bob's. He had drawn first blood and had knocked his antagonist down. His face was untouched, while Ande's was a bit drawn; but to judge by the many soft rubs that Bob gave his ribs, he had not come out of the first round unscathed.
[5] Kibbel—bucket.
As Ande rested on Puckinharn's knee, that worthy gave him sundry pieces of advice.
"Thee must keep on 'itting 'im in the ribs; 'e's taller than 'ee, and thee cussent reach 'is faace; 'e's sore and weak there now; 'e's gurking, I tell'ee."
"Time!" called Tom Glaze, and to the fray again they rushed.
Bully Bob, flattered by his adherents, had regained his confidence. He would finish the battle in close quarters, and rushed again and again, but his wily antagonist was as agile as an eel. Bob paused for breath and glared.
"At un, Bob! Eat un up!"
"I will," said Bob, "as soon as I catch un."