"Do you know," he said, "I once had a run in with ——?"
The man named was a noted boxer.
"How did you come out with him?"
"Oh, I was gentle with him—very gentle. He winked and I understood what he meant and let up on him and permitted him to punch me. Yes, it was business with him, you know, and I could have knocked him out before all his pupils, so I just let him punch me."
"He is a pretty hard hitter they say."
"Oh, no, I didn't mind his blows. He is very active—yes, very active."
"Did he bleed you?"
"Oh, yes, I let him bleed me a little. I was gentle, you know, and I took a black eye which I carried for a week, and he afterward apologized. Yes, he was very grateful because I was so gentle and let him punch me. I spared him, but when I looked in the glass I told him that next time I'd have to rap back a little."
The men all laughed and one of them said: "I reckon he will not tackle you again?"
"No, I guess not—hee, hee, hee! I tell you when I threaten a man he looks out—yes, he does—hee, hee, hee!"