“Thank you, yes. I resigned the belt when I could get no one to fight me for it, and I took to teaching.”
“I’m doing smith’s work down Sussex way.”
“I’ve often wondered why you never had a shy at my belt. I tell you honestly, between man and man, I’m very glad you didn’t.”
“Well, it’s real good of you to say that, Jackson. I might ha’ done it, perhaps, but the old woman was against it. She’s been a good wife to me and I can’t go against her. But I feel a bit lonesome here, for these boys are since my time.”
“You could do some of them over now,” said Jackson, feeling my friend’s upper arm. “No better bit of stuff was ever seen in a twenty-four foot ring. It would be a rare treat to see you take some of these young ones on. Won’t you let me spring you on them?”
Harrison’s eyes glistened at the idea, but he shook his head.
“It won’t do, Jackson. My old woman holds my promise. That’s Belcher, ain’t it—the good lookin’ young chap with the flash coat?”
“Yes, that’s Jem. You’ve not seen him! He’s a jewel.”
“So I’ve heard. Who’s the youngster beside him? He looks a tidy chap.”
“That’s a new man from the West. Crab Wilson’s his name.”