slender legs that showed speed, the
breadth of shoulder and long arms that spoke strength, and the deep,
arched chest that showed endurance; Joe looked and sighed and shook his
head.

"Sir," said he, "I honour and respect you to that degree as it would be
a joy to fight such a man as you and a rare privilege t' knock you
down--but, sir, if I was to knock ye down--"

"You'd earn a five-dollar bill."

"Five dollars--for knockin' you down, sir?"

"Every time!" nodded Ravenslee.

"But Lord, sir--"

"Shut up, Joe, shut up," snarled the Old Un, hopping out of the
armchair. "Don't gape like a perishin' fish; come on up-stairs an' knock
the Guv'nor down like 'e tells ye--an' 'arves on the money, mind; it was
me as taught ye all you know or ever will, so 'arves on the money, Joe,
'arves on the money. Come on, Joe--d'j 'ear?"

"Crumbs!" said Joe.

"Look at 'im. Guv--look at 'im!" shrieked the old man, dancing to and
fro in his impatience, "'ere's a chance for 'im to earn a pore old cove
a bit o' 'bacca money, an', what's better still, t' show a pore old
fightin' man a bit o' real sport--an' there 'e stands, staring like a
perishing pork pig! Blimy, Guv, get behind an' 'elp me to shove 'im
up-stairs."

"But, crikey, sir!" said Joe, "five dollars every time I--"

"Yus, yus, you bloomin' hadjective--two dollars fifty for each of us!
'Urry up, oh, 'urry up afore 'e changes 'is mind an' begins to 'edge."

So Joe follows his "Guv'nor" and the Old Un up a flight of stairs and
into a large chamber fitted as a gymnasium, where are four roped and
padded posts socketed into the floor; close by is a high-backed armchair
in which the Old Un seats himself with an air of heavy portent.

But when Joe would have ducked under the ropes, the Old Un stayed him
with an imperious gesture, and, clambering into the ring, advanced to
the centre and bowed gravely as if to a countless multitude.

"Gentlemen," he piped in his shrill old voice, "I take pleasure to
introduce Joe Madden, undefeated 'eavyweight champion o' the world, an'
the Guv--both members of this club an' both trained by me, Jack Bowser,
once lightweight champion of England an' hall the Americas. Gentlemen,
it will be a fight to a finish--Markis o' Queensberry rules.
Gentlemen--I thank ye." Having said which, the Old Un bowed again,
gravely stepped from the ring, and ensconcing himself in the armchair,
drew out a large and highly ornate watch, while Ravenslee and Joe
vault