The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-04-10

combat. Al lthe knowing one were con suited as to the issue, and they all agreed to man in one of two opinions-either that Bob would fog Billy, or Billy would fog Bob. We must be permitted. how ever, to dwell for a moment upon the opinion of Squire Thomas Loggins, a man who, 1t was said, had never failed to predict the issue of fight In all his life. Indeed. so unerring had he always proved in this regard that it would have been counted the most obstinate infdel- ity to doubt for a moment after he had delivered himself Squire Loggins was a man who said but little, but that little was always delivered with the most im- posing solemnity of look and cadence. He always wore the aspect of profound thought, and you could not look at him without coming to the conclusion that he was elaborating truth from its most intricate combinations
 Uncle Tommy" said Sam Reynolds, you can tell us all about 1t if you will; how will the fight go?"
 The question immediately drew an anx- ous group around the squire. He raised his teeth slowly from the head of his walking-cane, on which they had been resting, pressed his lips closely and thoughtfully together, threw down his eyebrows, dropped his chin. raised his eyes to an angle of 23 degrees, paused
  my, watch Robert Durham close In the beginning of the fight, take care of Will liam Stallons in the middle of 1t. and see who has the wind at the end" As he uttered the last member of the sen- tence he looked slyly at Bobs friends and winlSed very significantly, whereup- on they rushed, with one accord to tell Bob what Uncle, Tommy had said. AS they retired, the squire turned to Billy's friends and said, with a smile, Them boys think mean that Bob will whip"
 Here the other party kindled into joy, and hastened to inform Billy how Bob's friends had deceived themselves as to Uncle Tommy's opinion. In the mean time the principals and seconds were busllv employed in preparing themselves for the combat. The plan of attack and defense. the manner of improving the various turns of the conflict, "the best mode of saving wind" etc, etc, were all discussed and settled. At length Billy announced himself ready, and his crowd were seen moving to the center of the court square, he and his five seconds in the rear. At the same time Bob's party moved to the same point, and in the same order The ring was now formed, and for a moment the silence of death reigned through both battalions. It was soon interrupted. however. by the cry of "Clear the way!" from Billy's seconds,
  upper battalion (for the order of march had arranged the center of the two bat talions on opposite sides of the circle), and Billy stepped into the ring from the east followed by his friends. He was stripped to the trousers and exhibited an arm, breast, and shoulders of the most tremendous portent His step was firm, daring and martial, and as he bore his fine form little in advance of his friends an involuntary burst of triumph broke from his side of the ring, and at the same moment an uncomfortable thrill of awe ran along the whole curve of the lower battalion.
 Look at him. was heard from his friends; just look at himi'
 Ben, how much you ask to stand be- fore that man for two seconds?'
 "Pshaw don't talk about it' Just thinkin' about it's broke three O my ribs a'readyr'
 'What's Bob Durham going to do when Billy lets that arm lose upon hm?'
 God bless your soul, he'll think thun- der and lightning a mint-julep to it''
 "Oh, look here, men. go take Bill Stall lions out O that ring, and bring in Phil