This disgraceful proceeding naturally aroused much indignation in Rochester. It was, indeed, the excitement growing out of the affray which put an end to the proposed fight between Hogan and Allen. Other explanations than this have been offered, and it has been openly asserted that Hogan weakened. The simple statement of facts here given should serve to quiet all such stories in the future.
As soon as Hogan had heard of the cowardly attack made upon his friend, he resolved to seek revenge. He hurried to the house in which Cummings was living, but unfortunately was followed by two officers who had been detailed to watch his movements. As soon as he entered the house he was ordered to leave it. Seeing how useless it would be to oppose the power of the law, he left Cummings unpunished.
Space prevents the further description of Ben’s adventures at this time, save to recount the manner in which he left the city.
The pork dealer, to whom reference has already been made, happened to drop in a second time, having with him a load of dressed hogs. Ben greeted him with great cordiality, asked him how he was getting along, and expressed deep interest in the subject of hogs. After one or two sociable drinks, our hero surprised his visitor by offering to buy his entire load of pork.
“I will give you,” said Ben, “six and a fourth cents a pound,” (this was about the market price) “and you may come in to-morrow for your money.”
This proposition was joyfully accepted by our rural friend, who considered the promise of so high-toned a gentleman as Ben quite as good as the money in hand. The value of the pork at the proposed price was two hundred and thirty dollars. Congratulating himself upon having made a first-class bargain, the countryman withdrew—not however until he had drunk Ben’s good health in a bottle of champagne.
The gymnasium business had begun to wane in Rochester. For that reason Hogan had determined to give it up. And this resolve perhaps was hastened by his large investment in pork. He disposed of the stuff for two hundred and fifty dollars, and having got the money, shook the dust of Rochester off his feet.
That farmer is looking for him to this day, but, as he was worth forty thousand dollars, he could abundantly afford to help so worthy an object as Ben Hogan.