2.—Shelton’s left cheek was slightly tinged. The Giant went to work, and his long arms did severe execution. Shelton put in two belliers with great science, and got away. Burn was awkward, but his length enabled him to plant a facer that seemed to stagger Shelton. At length hit for hit took place, and both went staggering away from the force of each other’s blows. In closing, the struggle to obtain the throw was desperate; but Shelton got the “big one” undermost. The roar of applause was like the report of artillery; but still it was thought he could not stand up against such weight, and must ultimately be defeated.
3.—This was a terrific round; it was downright slaughtering. Shelton put in two bodiers, that seemed to puff the Giant’s wind out of his mouth. Hit for hit again occurred, without intermission; and Shelton received such a teazer on his left eye, that his nob was like a spinning top. Burn was almost beat to a stand-still, and Shelton in no better plight. The friends of Shelton, however, now ventured upon even betting, and took him for choice.
4.—Shelton took the lead in good fighting. He hit on the body again, and gave Burn such a rum one on the mouth as nearly deprived the latter of all his masticators. The Giant, however, gave Shelton a chopper on the top of his sconce, that made chaos of his upper works. Still Shelton, undismayed, fought like a hero, and ultimately threw his opponent. By way of encouragement to the Navigator, it was loudly vociferated, “Shelton for £100.” If staking had proved necessary, it might have turned out a mere flourish.
5.—The mugs of both the combatants bespoke their handywork. This was a ding-ong round, and the men fought till they both fell.
6.—The strength of Shelton did not keep pace with his good milling; he was much distressed, and got to the ropes, Brobdignag following him with his long chopper; the punishment was terrific. One of the Giant’s peepers was almost in darkness; he was also piping like a worn-out pair of bellows; but he kept fighting till they both went down.
7.—This round exceeded all that had gone before it in severity. The reciprocal facers were terrific, both of the combatants frequently going back from the effect of the blows. Shelton put in most hits, but was at length sent down.
8.—Shelton commenced with good science, and nearly floored his opponent’s teeth. Brobdignag, however, was not idle in returning nobbers; Shelton, with much dexterity, after making a heavy hit, instantly gave a back-hander, that spoiled the shape of his opponent’s nose. The applause was loud; but Shelton was sent down: the work he had to perform before victory was certain appeared too heavy for him to execute.
9.—Sparring and feints were out of the question; it was nothing but execution upon both sides. This round was equal to the seventh. Both the men stood up and hit till their strength was gone, when they closed and went down. Shelton appeared distressed, but Brobdignag was also very queer.
10.—Shelton, however, left his second’s knee first, and appeared at the scratch. He put in two facers without return, and also a bodier near the mark; but the Giant, furious at such treatment, ran in and got Shelton down. It was thought he hit the latter unfairly, but it was purely accidental. “Foul!” “Fair!” etc., were loudly bawled on all sides; but the umpires did not notice it. Oliver, with much confidence, now offered £10 to £2 upon Shelton.
11.—It was by no means safe to Shelton, although he came gaily up to fight. Some sharp work occurred, and Shelton was hit down.