The Frenchman staggered back. Jack followed this advantage with a quick left and then another right to the Frenchman's face. Both blows had steam behind them, and his opponent, plainly in distress, covered up quickly and cinched.
In the clinch he attempted to deliver several short arm blows, but Jack was prepared for this kind of fighting, and blocked them with ease. Finally the two broke, and the Frenchman stood on the defensive.
It was apparent to all who were not too prejudiced that he now stood in awe of his opponent's hitting power.
Then they stood off and boxed at long range, and Jack trimmed his adversary beautifully. Tiring of this, the Frenchman rushed, but time was called as he swung wildly. In swinging he left a wide opening. Jack, starting a hard blow, turned it aside when the referee called time.
"Where did you learn to box?" asked Frank breathlessly between rounds.
"Why," said Jack, with a smile, "from my father. He was rather proficient in the use of his fists."
"He must have been," said Frank dryly. "Why didn't you tell me you could box?"
"You never asked me," replied Jack calmly.
He arose and walked slowly to meet his opponent as the referee again called time.
"Now, my friend," said Jack to his opponent, "I am going to give you as good a licking as you ever have had."