STURDY CAimiES THE DAY. 231 



" Loikely or noo, neighbour," retorted the 

 Yorkshireman, " I doan't feel inclined to lower 

 the figure." 



" Then we shall have to remain here all night 

 without fire or food, and perhaps to-morrow also, 

 unless you agree with us, Mr. Sturdy." 



" Aweel, neighbours, ye's maun settle that 

 matter aniang yourselves, for I'm a thinking a fast 

 day or two wunna come much amiss to me just 

 now," rubbing down his portly stomach, "and 

 save a power of doctor's stufi*." 



" Then you won't come over to our side, Mr. 

 Sturdy ?" inquired a little, thin man, in great per- 

 turbation of mind at the prospect of starving a 

 night and a day. 



" Noa, I tell ye, neighbour Sharp, until I be 

 as weasel-carcassed as thee beest ; and as good 

 luck would ha' it, I gat landlord's nightcap 

 in my pocket when I left yesternoon," which 

 he pulled deliberately out, and prepared ready for 

 use. 



At sight of this Sharp grew pale, and whisper- 

 ing his brother jurymen. Sturdy was allowed per 

 force to carry the day, one hundred pounds 

 damages, with all costs, being awarded to Squire 

 Trueman ; and altogether, through this dog bat- 

 tue, the great Mr. Bragg was relieved of the 



