Fillmore swaggered into the room. His face was flushed and his manner seemed to indicate that he had been drinking heavily.
The Jap who followed him was smiling serenely.
A number of those present had seen Hashi’s performance at the theatre, and they recognized him instantly.
The billiard players paused and regarded him with interest. The others were no less interested.
“Who says Americus can handle Hashi?” demanded Fillmore. “Americus is all right in his class, but he’ll overstep himself if he accepts Hashi’s challenge and goes after the hundred dollars offered to the wrestler of less than two hundred pounds who can handle this little master of jujutsu. Why, Hashi can break Americus in two, if he wishes; but he’s a harmless little chap, and it’s likely he’ll be content with flinging Americus over his head and across the stage.”
As he said this Fillmore placed a hand on the shoulder of the Jap, who continued to smile and look innocent.
“Gentlemen,” said the Hopkins man, “it gives me great satisfaction to introduce my friend Hashi.”
The jujutsu master bowed in his politest manner, murmuring:
“It inexpressible pleasure gives me the honorable gentlemen to humbly greet.”
“You see Hashi is very modest,” laughed Fillmore.