Sympathizing with the elder man

Sympathizing with the elder man

Some of the onlookers, sympathizing with the elder man, commenced a vigorous attack of hooting, on which Weightman turned his backside to the spectators in a saucy and defiant manner. After this open display of insolence a tragic finale seemed imminent. The ring was broken up in an instant; and the roughs of the crowd, headed by the notorious Tom Ridley, soon worked themselves into a state of furious excitement. They made a rush at the delinquent, some dealing out blows with their fists, while others kept up a constant shower of sods and such like missiles; nearly tore the shirt from the back of their victim; and finally forced him savagely through a thorn hedge on the top of the bank. In describing the melée which took place, Weightman himself said: "Yan shootit, 'Tek th' watter, Weetman!'anudder shootit, 'Tek th' dyke, thoo greit gowk, thoo!'bit I niver kent reetly whoar I was, till I fund mysel' on Eden brig, wid Gwordie Maut leadin' me seàfly by the hand. I varily believe," added he, "'at Gwordie Maut seàv't mee life!"

Source: Wrestlings and Wrestlers