When within a couple of hundred yards or so of that well-known “house of entertainment for man and beast” he was suddenly confronted by a powerful-looking rustic who sprang out of an adjacent copse. The fellow was an ugly-looking customer, and the expression of his ill-favoured countenance denoted that he meant mischief. “Well,” said our hero, “what might be your pleasure?” “You be’s the man I ha’ bin a waitin’ and watchin’ for, and now I’ve got ’ee.” “Much obliged, I’m sure; and pray, now that you have got me, as you are pleased to term it, what may be the nature of your business?” “I’ll dall soon let ’un know that,” returned the rustic, turning up his cuffs. “I intend to ha’ it out wi’ ’ee.” Peace was puzzled to understand the man’s meaning or his intent. He was at first under the impression that he meant robbery. “If you are a footpad I must tell you that you are much mistaken in your man. I’m as poor as a church mouse――so let me pass without more ado.” “Noa I wun’t let ’ee pass, not afore I give ’ee somethin’ for yerself. Ye be a pretty varmint to be a takin’ liberties wi’ my gell.” “Now, look here, my man,” said our hero, in a much more serious tone of voice. “I’ll tell you frankly I’m not going to submit to impudence from an ignorant yokel like you, and if you don’t get out of the way I’ll mark you, big as you are. Your girl, indeed, and who is she I pray?” “Ye know well enough. Don’t ’ee think ye can gammon me? I tell ’ee yer’re a dirty blackguard――that’s what ’ee be.” “You’re an impertinent fellow. Are you drunk, mad, or what?” said Peace. “I’m neither, but ’ee doen’t come betwixt me and her, not if I know it.” “If you give me any more of your impudence I’ll chastise you on the spot.” “Oh, oh,” exclaimed the other, mockingly, “you chastise――well dang it, that be a good un; we’ll soon see who’s the best man of the two.” And with these words the speaker up with his fist and delivered a straightforward blow. It was as strong as a horse’s kick, and had it taken effect as the countryman intended, it would certainly have gone hard with our hero. The blow was well meant, but like many other well-meant things it missed its mark. Peace, who had been expecting the attack, warded it off, and sprang back some three or four yards; he then ducked his head and ran with all his force full butt at the chest of his powerful antagonist. The effect was magical; the man was sent reeling, and fell on his back full length on the hard road. He was never more astonished in the whole course of his life. Peace, who was wonderfully agile at this time, had given him no time for reflection, and to say the truth the rustic had never counted on this novel mode of attack. He was partially stunned by the fall, but recovering himself a little he rose to his feet. Peace did not give him time to pull himself together, but again ducking his head and running forward with all his might he again laid his foe prostrate.