Perceiving ladies at the window above, he endeavoured to dismount
with the most graceful air he could assume; but the ostler
neglecting to hold the stirrup when he wheeled off his right
foot, and stood with his whole weight on the other, the girth
unfortunately gave way, the saddle turned, down came the cavalier
to the ground, and his hat and perriwig falling off, displayed a
head-piece of various colours, patched and plaistered in a woeful
condition -- The ladies, at the window above, shrieked with
affright, on the supposition that the stranger had received some
notable damages in his fall; but the greatest injury he had
sustained arose from the dishonour of his descent, aggravated by
the disgrace of exposing the condition of his cranium; for
certain plebeians that were about the door, laughed aloud, in the
belief that the captain had got either a scald head, or a broken
head, both equally opprobrious.
He forthwith leaped up in a fury, and snatching one of his
pistols, threatened to put the ostler to death, when another
squall from the women checked his resentment. He then bowed to
the window, while he kissed the butt-end of his pistol, which he
replaced; adjusted his wig in great confusion, and led his horse
into the stable -- By this time I had come to the door, and could
not help gazing at the strange figure that presented itself to my
view.
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