“Had enough, Doctor?” cried Burr major contemptuously, and as I supported Mercer he uttered a low sob of misery.
“Yes, he’s done. Now, Dicksee, I’ll second you.—Off with your togs and polish him off till his face shines. Now then, look sharp, Senna, you’ve got to back your chap.”
I heard Mercer grind his teeth, and I felt giddy with excitement as he whispered to me,—
“Don’t be afraid of him, he’s a coward. Take off your things, and you try hard if you can’t lick him.”
“Must I fight?” I said.
“Now then, you sir, off with that jacket,” cried Burr major, “or he’ll give you the coward’s blow.”
This roused me, and I stripped for the battle, feeling very nervous and uncomfortable, while Mercer drew a long breath, mastered the pain he was in, and, after throwing my jacket and waistcoat in the bin with his own, began to whisper his instructions to me.
“Now then, off you go,” said Burr major. “Be smart, Dicksee, the bell will go directly.”
Dicksee made a savage run at me as I put up my arms, there were a few blows, all of which came to my share, and there was a roar of laughter as the round ended in a struggle, and I went down, with Dicksee on me, and my head giving a stunning rap on the boards.
“Don’t let him wrestle with you,” whispered Mercer excitedly, as he helped me up, and I sat upon his knee, feeling very dizzy and half blind with rage.