Los Angeles herald., 1907-08-18
CONTINUED FROM LAST SUNDAY
CHAPTER XXXvn.

BRYAN was looking for Mr.. Lons
did not see him, but he did see MI: rath.
Bilch. with his coat of-in fact, ~ealm .ps,ss,-,
ing above his feet but his SHIRT anu
the latter held in place by peie. , 90
On the wall were great numDer Q. pc r,r.
boxing gloves, clubs used for gynias a,.io,os
noses heavy weights, rings and otner alo''i r.
With whose use the visitor was entlreiy IA
miliar.
The hall was evidently used LOT training e
nupiljsts and for small select exhlpitiohs VI
sparring, if not fighting. 1t was IN no proper
sense a gymnasium, and was evidently useu
by the lowest type of sporting cnaLdcS
which Lou Blnker was doubtless ciassed. -,
II told you he would come. and here ne Is!
exclaimed Mr. Barney Bilch, who was STANDING
on the platform with his arms folded.
This announcement was greeted with an
other round Of applause.
"You are rather late, Mr.. Braslock, salo
the elderly man, who answered to the name
of Mr.. Slugg. when it was applied to him at
later hour. "You were to be here at eight
and it is half an hour after that time"
II wish to see Mr.. Longwood," said Bryan,
though by this time he fully comprehended
that he had been led into trap, and that
Mr. Barney Bilch was to take bus revenge
upon him for the alleged insult he had re-
ceived.
Several of the "select" audience laughed
heartily at these words, as though they UNI
derstood the means by which the young ath-
lete had been brought to Allegonia Hall.
Bryan was angry with himself when he real
lied that he was the victim of a trick. He
looked at the door, but he knew. that it was
locked, and that the key was IN the pocket OF
Mr.. Slugg.
81 was asked to come here by Mr.. Long
wood, and / insist upon seeing him before
/ go any further" said Bryan, as he stopped
= short on the stage and refused to proceed.
"The boy Is no fool averred MIR. Bilch.
cts no use to carry this farce any longer.
Mr.. Longwood is not here, and did not write
the note you received"
81 was sure of that the moment came into
Thea hal" replied Bryan.
81 wrote the note and the message myself,
admitted Bilch.
ibid you write this note, sir?" demanded
Bryan, holding up the one he had received in
Midway street 50 that Bilch could see it.
81 did write it."
Bryan folded it, and put it back into his
II shall want that note before you co."
said the forger. of the letter, evidently see
ing the error of admitting SO much. you
will be ready to give it up before you leave"
he continued with sneer. "No more fooling.
Let us proceed to business!"
Gas Mr.; Longwood Is not present, do not
thank you to unlock the door and let me out,
said Bryan, turning to his conductor.
"a few words before you go, Mr.. Bras
lock-" interposed Bilch. This afternoon, in
your own house and in the presence of your
mother, you insulted me personally, and you
insulted the whole fraternity of which the
gentlemen present are honored members I
told you | should resent that insult: | am
here, for that purpose, and, let me add, you
are here also for that purpose"
IT have nothing to say replied Bryan,
when Bilch paused, and round of applause
had followed
Zone remark more, Mr.. Braslock," con-
tinued Bilch. II am not a brute. Those
present are gentlemen. We all glory in fair
play. Instead of Furnishing you for the insult,
with me, both wearing soft gloves No one
shall interfere between you and me- unless
one of us plays foul. If I am knocked out I
will give you friendly hand at the end of
the bout"
'T decline to take part in the match Won
propose" replied Bryan, firmly. ri never
"You never spar?" repeated Bich, angrily.
Didn't you spar with my friend Blinker?'
IT did not When he attacked me I de-
Tended myself; that's all, !" said the professors
"Then you will have a chance to defend
yourself again. Off with your coat, for |
mean to attack your" exclaimed the bully,
putting himself into the approved attitude.
Instead Of making any reply. Bryan turned
to the audience, and appealed to them He
declared that he had not insulted Mr.. Bilch,
and would not insult any person. He had
his own opinions which he did not thrust
upon any one. He had been tricked into this
place, and he asked them, as men who glory
in fair play. if he ought to be compelled to
Bryan's speech called forth the applause of
a portion of the audience. and one man in
front said few words in the interest of fair
play. The boy should not be compelled 70