, 1907-10-03
Aunt AHCia'S
Prize Fighter
BY George Fred Lawson
Copyright, by Joseph B BOwle-.,

efN hA&' 49,
Is they struck, and the patter and
scraping of the mems feet mingled
with their deep breathing and pro-
duced the effect of a gigantic strug-
gle. 1t wasn't. 1t was only a friend.
ly match at young Fitz's training
quarters. Finally they stopped, both
painting. Then Clancy spoke.
81 guess l kin train a bit even 7
I can't fight no more" he said.
He had been one of the best mid
dle-weights of his time, but when he
got to making a little money he went
h way of many other good lighters;
he let whisky get the better of him.
AS he relieved his mind he turned
suddenly, almost knocking over a
t~en-year-old bit of masculinity in
knee pants. flannel blouse and
sneakers"
Teddy scrambled hastily out of the
way. Clancy glared. Kids weren't
allowed around the training camp.
"Hey, youse," he growled. "wo yer
dom round 'ere?"
And he reached out a rough hand
In a vain endeavor TO grasp the rim.
ble Teddy by the back of his neck.
Teddy slid into a corner and Clancy
stumbling over a pail. sprawled his
length on the fioor and bumped his
chin. Teddy laughed. Clancy swore
and started for him again. this time
with fire in his eye. Clancey's part.
ner threw his gloves into a corner
and spoke sharply.
Hold on a moment, Clancey,' he
said, 81 think l know that kid
The kid looked grateful.
Nov, here, what's your name, my
boy?"
"Teddy Baldwin. sir"
ooh, well, they don't allow little
boys around here. I'm afraid you'll
have to get out. Perhaps some other
time you can come, but not now
Teddy whimpered, Clancy grin.
ned. then swore. His partner
frowned.
whats the matter, kid?" he
asked.
IL wanted to see young Fitz."
well" muttered Clancy, "if that's
all yer want, yer've seen i'm, so yer'd
better run OFF home"
Teddy frightened and gazed round.
eyed at the other man.
Isis that HIM" he said.
1T sure is" grinned Clancy, nc
run along wild yer"
Teddy backed out of the door. his
eye still on the object of his admira-
ton, and started slowly up the road.
young Fitz" turned to Clancy with
a quizzical smile.
Clancy" he said, you're the
limit"
Teddy wal wildly excited and tore
along h road in the direction of his
aunt's house, where he was staying
for the summer. His enthusiasm was
undimi2ished when he reached the
door n he burst into his aunt's
presence like a colt into a clover pas
ture, nearly frightening that young
lady into Mysteries.
Good gracious. Ted ~" she ex-
claimed, az O o as she could gather
her scattered wits. Whatever is the
mattsr?"
I've seen him, Aunty! I've e
him! And he waved his hand at
me-"
Teddy jumped for the very JOY of
1t. Now. Alicia Baldwin, despite her
20 years of life and her three years
service as a contributor to the
Monthly Record, did not understand
children. At least she did not un.
derstand Teddy. Therefore, she
failed to share his enthusiasm whea
he announced, in shrill tones, that
he had seen young Titz, the prize
fighter. Instead, she frowned.
Teddy" she said, didn't / tell you
to keep away from that place? Good
little boys shouldn't associate with
prize fighters. They-they're brutes."
This one amt" emphasized Ted.
dy, in defense of his hero. He's all
right. He amt no bum. He's as
good as Mr.. Van Hansen, an"
Teddy"
well, he is, aunty. an'-an' he
better looking, too"
TEDDY Baldwin" she said. come
here. If | ever hear of you being
with that man again I'll send you
straight home to your mother. Do
o understand
Teddy was huInbled and hurt. BIZ
sides, he didn't want to be sent horne
30 he promised. The next day he
was exploring among the rocks on
Inc peach "heH ne saw young fltz
running easily along the sand, clad
only in a jersey and u pair of funny
little white pants.
What's the matter, Teddy" asked
the fighter, seeing that something
WAS wrong.
Gee" exclaimed Teddy with more
force than elegance. IF my Aunty
Alice sees me with you. she won't
do a thing to me. She'll SEND me
home"
what do you mean!"