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"Sir," says Joe, looking his pupil over, "you're uncommon quick on your
pins; never knowed a quicker--did you, Old Un?"
"No, me lad--never in all me days!"
"An' you've sure-ly got a punch, sir. Ain't 'e, Old Un?"
"Like a perishin' triphammer!" nodded the Old Un. "Likewise, sir, you've
a wonderful judgment o' distance--but, sir, you need experience!"
"That's what I'm after, Joe."
"And you take too many chances; you ain't larned caution yet."
"That you must teach me, Joe."
"Which I surely will, sir. In the next round, subject to no objection, I
propose to knock ye down, sir."
"Which means two dollars fifty for each on us, Joe--mind that," added
the Old Un.
"So fight more cautious, sir, do," pleaded Joe, "and--look out."
"Time!" croaked the Old Un. "Round two! And Guv, look out for yer p'int,
cover yer mark, an' keep a heye on yer kidney-pit!"
Once again they faced each other, but this time it was Joe who circled
quick and catlike, massive shoulders bowed, knees bent, craggy chin grim
and firm-set, but blue eyes serene and mild as ever.


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