“Well, then, it is obviously not the interest of these men to kill him. Warr heard them say as much. They could not make sure, perhaps, of doing so tough a young fellow an injury which would certainly prevent him from fighting. Even with a broken arm he might pull the fight off, as men have done before. There was too much money on for them to run any risks. They gave him a tap on the head, therefore, to prevent his making too much resistance, and they then drove him off to some farmhouse or stable, where they will hold him a prisoner until the time for the fight is over. I warrant that you see him before to-night as well as ever he was.”
This theory sounded so reasonable that it seemed to lift a little of the weight from my heart, but I could see that from my uncle’s point of view it was a poor consolation.
“I dare say you are right, Craven,” said he.
“I am sure that I am.”
“But it won’t help us to win the fight.”
“That’s the point, sir,” cried Belcher. “By the Lord, I wish they’d let me take his place, even with my left arm strapped behind me.”
“I should advise you in any case to go to the ringside,” said Craven. “You should hold on until the last moment in the hope of your man turning up.”
“I shall certainly do so. And I shall protest against paying the wagers under such circumstances.”
Craven shrugged his shoulders.
“You remember the conditions of the match,” said he. “I fear it is pay or play. No doubt the point might be submitted to the referees, but I cannot doubt that they would have to give it against you.”