With the four hundred dollars in his pocket, Ben was feeling in such good humor that he bought ten gallons of whiskey and ten boxes of cigars, all of which he distributed among the crowd. Of course they swore that he was the best fellow alive, after that. Any man would be the best fellow alive who would furnish the gang ten gallons of whiskey and ten boxes of cigars.
There was one chap, John Dillon by name, who had frequently asserted that he would kill Hogan as soon as he saw him. Wishing to settle up all little matters of this kind before leaving the neighborhood, Ben, happening to run across Dillon that day, told him that he was ready to receive him whenever he wanted to put up his fists. Dillon was at first disposed to “get on his ear,” but one blow on the head brought him to terms. He made up his mind that it was all a mistake; he didn’t want to kill Ben at all; he didn’t even want to fight with him. And so the two took a drink together, and pledged each other’s very good health.
Having settled up his business, Ben again left the oil country and bent his course toward Syracuse. Upon his arrival in that city he learned that Cummings, of Rochester, was anxious for a fight, and so he lost no time in giving him a chance.
His first meeting with Cummings was somewhat amusing. The latter had never seen Ben, although he had heard a great deal about him. Our hero sought out the Rochester pugilist, and without making known who he was, began a conversation.
“I hear,” said Ben, “that you want to fight Hogan. Is that so?”
“You’re right it is,” answered Cummings. “I have been trying to get up a fight for a long time now, but I never could bring him to time.”
“Well, that’s odd,” returned Ben. “I’ve been told that this man Hogan is a plucky fellow, who is willing to accept a challenge from anybody. Did you ever see him?”
“Well, I went down to Syracuse,” answered Cummings, “and tried to see him, but he kept himself out of my way. The fact of it is, the fellow’s afraid of me!”
“Oh, he is, is he?” said Ben, with a curious sort of a smile. “Well, we’ll see what can be done toward bringing you together!”
That ended the conversation for the time being, Ben agreeing to meet Cummings the next day. What troubled our hero was not the fear of fighting Cummings, but the want of money to put up for the match. By good luck, he happened to fall in that same day with Perkins, California Jack, and one or two other sporting men, and to them he made known his wants. Perkins was desirous of seeing what Ben could do, and the party accordingly adjourned to a gymnasium, where Hogan gave a specimen of his pugilistic skill.