Copy 1, Volume 2

Confessions of a thug / By Captain Meadows Taylor.

  • Philip Meadows Taylor
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Confessions of a thug / By Captain Meadows Taylor. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the plaudits of the assembled horsemen, who looked on with curiosity to see how an utter stranger would behave against the most accom- plished cavalier of the army. Fora long time neither of us had any advantage over the other ; our horses were admirably trained, and nei- ther allowed the other to approach within reach of the spear-thrust. This was the great nicety of the tilt, and cries of “Shabash! Sha- bash !” resounded at every baffling turn or suc- cessful escape from a meditated blow. At last the Khan touched me ; it was but a graze, which I received on my arm, having delayed for an instant to turn my horse, and he cried out that he had won. “J own it,’ said I, as our horses stood panting for breath, “for I] am, as you know, a novice at the use of the weapon; yet if you will give me another trial, I will again cross spears with you, and see if I have not better luck.” “ Good,” cried he, laughing ; “ but look out, for I warn you I shall not be merciful ; a sharp blow on the ribs of a young hand teaches him his vulnerable point, and causes him to be careful ever after.” “ Come on,” cried 1; “if I can I will return the compliment.”