_Capt. Eth._ It shall be explained. You, Peter Bargrove, have been excessively insolent to me, Edward Etheridge; in consequence, I shall now take the liberty of giving you a little wholesome correction. [_Seizes Peter by the collar._
_Capt. Mer._ Don't use violence to the natural. He offends more in ignorance than malice.
_Peter._ Thank you, sir. I see that you are a well-behaved gentleman. O sir! sir! 'tis a vile, ungrateful world. I intended to do something for that young man. (_Captain Etheridge shakes him._) Why, yes, I did. I not only intended to allow you forty pounds a year, but to do what would be more agreeable to your sister Agnes.
_Capt. Eth._ Agreeable to Miss Etheridge! What do you mean, sir?
_Peter._ Mean--why, I'm not quite sure--recollect, I don't promise; but I was thinking of marrying her. (_Captain Mertoun flies at him, and seizes him by the collar on the other side. They both shake him violently._)
_Capt. Eth._} { my sister, } } You marry { } you scoundrel! _Capt. Mer._} { Miss Etheridge, }
_Capt. Mer._ (_letting him go_). I am sorry that I was provoked to lay hands on him. Etheridge, I'll leave his chastisement entirely to you.
_Peter._ Thank you, sir; I always thought ye were on my side. I suppose that was a mistake just now.
_Capt. Mer._ I certainly had no right to interfere between you and Captain Etheridge.
_Capt. Eth._ (_still holding Peter by the collar_). But, Mr Peter, we do not part yet. You may have made your peace with Captain Mertoun, but not with me. How dare you insult me thus?
_Peter._ I insult you! (_To Captain Mertoun._) Arn't you of my side?
_Capt. Mer._ (_laughing_). Yes; if you are knocked down, I, as your second, will help you up again, no more.
_Peter._ Well--but I'm not a nine-pin. Why not prevent him from knocking me down?
_Capt. Mer._ The stars won't permit that.
_Capt. Eth._ And the stars ordain this. (_Lifting his cane._)
_Peter._ Captain Etheridge, one word; let go my collar, behave like a reasonable man, and I now promise, upon my word of honour, that I will elevate your sister to my--nuptial bed. (_Captain Mertoun shakes his cane, and makes signs to Captain Etheridge to thrash him._)
_Capt. Eth._ I can bear no more. (_Beats Peter round the stage._)