they leave. Know
anything about boxing, Matt?"

"Not a thing, Mike. I've always had to climb the big fellows."

"Then I'll teach you," Mr. Murphy announced with conviction. "You're
in fine shape now--as right as a fox and fit to tackle the finest, but
there isn't any sense in getting mauled up when you don't have to. I'll
go ashore and buy a set of six-ounce gloves, a set of two-ounce gloves
and a punching bag. For the next three weeks you won't have anything
to do except prepare for the battle, and I can teach you a lot of good
stuff in three weeks. To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed, Matt, and
if Cappy has sent a Holy Terror to clean you, give him a regular fight,
even if he licks you."

Matt Peasley nodded. He entertained a profound respect for Mr. Murphy's
judgment.

CHAPTER X. THE BATTLE OF TABLE BAY

In due course Captain Ole Peterson arrived at Cape Town. As the steamer
which bore him slipped up Table Bay to her pier All Hands And Feet saw
a big barkentine, flying the American flag, at anchor just inside the
breakwater and rightly conjectured she was his future command. Three
hours ashore proved ample time to consummate all of the Retriever's
neglected business. He discovered that the man to whom he was to
administer a good, sound, commercial thrashing, as per Cappy Ricks'
instructions, had already purchased and gotten aboard stores and water
for the voyage back to Grays Harbor, so All Hands And Feet drew some
money from the consignees, to be deducted from the freight money, paid
off all the vessel's bills, O.K.'d the consignees' statement of account
to be forwarded to the owners, received a ninety-day draft on London,
in payment of the freight, mailed it to his owners, cleared his vessel,
procured a reliable man to witness the formal transfer of authority from
Matt Peasley to himself, engaged a launch and set out for the Retriever.
All Hands And Feet had had ample time to plan his campaign, and he
had planned it well. Immediately upon setting foot on the deck of the
Retriever he planned to attack; then, this duty accomplished, he would
send his witness ashore, up hook and away. The attack having taken place
in British waters All Hands And Feet hoped Matt Peasley would have no
redress in American waters; and if he took the complainant to sea with
him the man Peasley would, of a certainty, have no legal redress in
British waters!

Mr. Murphy was the first to sight All Hands And Feet. The worthy fe