,' AN AMATEUR. 177 



many names as would serve to desig- 

 nate a moderate family, was a very odd 

 man, and could justly boast not a little 

 of his personal prowess. Upon one occa- 

 sion, I remember, when a great multitude 

 had assembled to witness a pugilistic en- 

 counter, that was to be decided near his 

 place, and with his special approval, or 

 rather by his invitation, by some means or 

 other it did not come off. This so irritated 

 the Baronet that he jumped into the ring, 

 that had been formed for two very noted 

 men of that day, and said that, rather than 

 the company should be disappointed, he and 

 his gamekeeper would fight any two of the 

 best men among them. This not being ac- 

 cepted for the appearance of the two was 

 such as must have caused a very bold prize- 

 fighter to consider what he was about in 

 venturing to attack them he challenged 

 any two men in England. 



But one of the most singular feats of 

 this most singular character took place at 



VOL. in. N 



