"
Joe's lean cheek flushed and he looked Ravenslee over with eyes of
yearning; noted the thin flanks and 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.
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