An amateur pugilist in a small town in Ohio accepted the invitation of a visiting professional who announced that he was ready to meet all comers.
The local prodigy mounted the stage, climbed through the ropes and gave his name to the announcer. As the announcer was introducing him the amateur tugged at his sleeve and whispered something in his ear.
“Kid Binks desires me to state,” said the announcer, “that this is his first appearance in any ring.”
He stepped back and the two men squared off. The professional ducked a wild swing, led with his right and knocked the amateur down with such violence that he fairly splashed when he hit the floor.
The master of ceremonies stood over the fallen one, counting him out. At eight the dazed youth got upon his knees. At nine he spoke in a husky whisper.
The announcer raised his hand for silence.
“Kid Binks also desires me to state,” he said, “that this is his last appearance in any ring.”
§ 254 Calculated to Work Improvements
Two sympathetic friends called at a house of mourning in the Bronx. Mrs. Levinsky, wife of a wealthy white-goods importer, had passed away, following upon her return from a Southern trip.
The callers were shown into the parlor where the bereft husband sat alongside the casket. They advanced and looked upon the face of the deceased.