The weary big man was beaten to his knees. Struggling up, he tried to clinch, only to be met by another smashing blow in the face. He turned to escape, but the dancing figure with the battering fists was ever in front of him.
He went down again, and, stretching out on the floor, began to blubber aloud in his confusion and distress.
"He's had enough," said Sam grimly.
The result was received in the silence of surprise. A few laughed at the spectacle Joe made. Others merely shrugged. The victory was not a popular one.
Big Jack went through the formality of counting, though it was patent to all that the fighting was done. Afterward he turned to Sam and shook his hand.
"I didn't think you had it in you," he said.
This was sweet to Sam.
Joe raised himself, snivelling, and commenced to revile Sam.
"Aw, shut up!" cried Big Jack, with strong disgust. "You're licked!"
Joe got to his feet. "Only by trickery!" he cried. "He wouldn't stand up to me! I could have knocked him out any time. Everybody was against me! It takes the heart out of a man." Tears threatened again.