If thou dost, and want a trainer,
there's not much inside t' ropes as I don't know. Or happen thou might
like to try it wi' me old style and bare knuckles. Thou hast but to
write to t' ironworks to find me."
But Montgomery disclaimed any such ambition. A canvas bag with his
share--190 sovereigns--was handed to him, of which he gave ten to the
Master, who also received some share of the gate-money. Then, with
young Wilson escorting him on one side, Purvis on the other, and Fawcett
carrying his bag behind, he went in triumph to his carriage, and drove
amid a long roar, which lined the highway like a hedge for the seven
miles, back to his starting-point.
"It's the greatest thing I ever saw in my life. By George, it's
ripping!" cried Wilson, who had been left in a kind of ecstasy by the
events of the day. "There's a chap over Barnsley way who fancies
himself a bit. Let us spring you on him, and let him see what he can
make of you. We'll put up a purse--won't we, Purvis? You shall never
want a backer."
"At his weight," said the publican, "I'm behind him, I am, for twenty
rounds, and no age, country, or colour barred."
"So am I," cried Fawcett; "middle-weight champion of the world, that's
what he is--here, in the same carriage with us."
But Montgomery was not to be beguiled.
Pages:
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157