"Do it if you like," said the tramp. "It won't do him any harm."
So Tony received a gratuitous course of lessons in boxing, which were at last interrupted by a little difficulty between his teacher and the officers of the law, resulting in the temporary confinement of the former. The lessons were never resumed, but they had gone so far that Tony was quite a skillful boxer for a boy.
He, too, had measured Sam, and felt quite sure of being able to conquer him, and that with ease. He did not, however, mention the grounds of his confidence to James, when the latter expressed some apprehension that he would find Sam too much for him.
"Don't be alarmed, James," said Tony, quietly. "I'm enough for him."
"He's bigger than you," said James.
"I know that, but he's clumsy."
"He's slow, but he's pretty strong."
"So am I."
"You've got pluck, and you deserve to beat, Tony," said his friend.