He
concluded by requesting he might have his boy to bring him word
which way Sir Henry Bellasis would drive, for fight he would that
night, otherwise he felt sure they should be friends in the
morning, and the blow would rest upon him. Dryden complying with
his request, Tom Porter, still inflamed by fury, went to a
neighbouring coffee-house, when presently word arrived Sir
Harry's coach was coming that way. On this Tom Porter rushed
out, stopped the horses, and bade the baronet alight. "Why,"
said the man, who but an hour before had been his best friend,
"you will not hurt me in coming out, will you?" "No," answered
the other shortly. Sir Henry then descended, and both drew their
swords. Tom Porter asked him if he were ready, and hearing he
was, they fought desperately, till of a sudden a sharp cry was
heard; Sir Henry's weapon fell upon the ground, and he placed one
hand to his side, from which blood flowed freely. Then calling
his opponent to him, he looked in his face reproachfully, kissed
him lovingly, and bade him seek safety. "For, Tom," said he,
struggling hard to speak, "thou hast hurt me; but I will make
shift to stand upon my legs till thou mayest withdraw, and the
world not take notice of you, for," continued he, with much
tenderness, "I would not have thee troubled for what thou hast
done." And the little crowd who had gathered around carried him
to his coach and twenty days later they followed him to his
grave.
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