23
he came and whither he was going for that was no highway. But the tinker being a sturdy fellow, bid him go ⟨look⟩, what was that to him, for fools would be meddling. No, says Tom, but I'll make you know before you and I part, it is to me. Aye says ⟨the⟩ tinker, I have been these three years and have had no combat with ⟨any⟩ man, and none durst make me ⟨answer⟩; I think they be all cowards in ⟨this⟩ country except it be a man called Tom Hickathrift who killed a giant, ⟨him⟩ I would fain see to have a combat with him. Aye, said Tom, but methinks I might be master in your mouth; I am the man, what have you ⟨to⟩ say to me? Why, said the tinker. ⟨Verily⟩ I am glad we have met so happily together, that we may have one ⟨single⟩ combat. Sure, said Tom, you ⟨do⟩ but jest. Merry, said the tinker, ⟨I⟩ am in earnest. A match, said Tom, ⟨will⟩ you give me leave to get a twig. ⟨Aye⟩, says the tinker, I scorn to fight ⟨a⟩ man unarmed.
Tom steps to the gate, and takes one
