The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1914-09-09

old top. Don't become fretted about
It," he said, and pIucked complacently
at the pluckIess mustache.
Across In the opposite corner Conduc-
tor O'Connell. dIsdninIng to sit in the
chair the urbane WalIingford had pro-
yided for him. stood without coat or
hat, and his blue shirt sieeTes rolled up
TO his elbows revealed his brawny and
hairy forcarms. He was grinning
shecpiShly.
Mr.. Hugh presented Wallingford
with a pair Of gloves. Mr.. Cash per
formed n like service for Mr.. Saun'
ders, and the two seconds carefully
assisted their principals to tie on their
deadly weapons.
Are you ready, gentlemen?" in1uir.
ed Buclow Won Hunperdinck, better
known in this coterie as Humpsey.
"Just moment" interrupted Rick.
ey. Anybody bettin'F
"I'Il go hundred on my man." Of
fercd WallIngford quietly. and he did
not make the mistake OF making any
motion to display the money.
Done" returned Hickey quickly,
Anybody else"
The black freckled young man with
the nose critically surveyed the con
testants as he rolled cigarette. You
won't take it as DESERVING your colors,
Benssy, II book hickey for his next
hundred. will you?" he Inquired.
Certainly not" replied Benson cour'
teously. use your own judgment,
Ring"
Jus sportin'. that's ALL" declared
Hickey in further polite consent
You're on, Ring. Anybody elseT
Reggie IIuugh Immediately offered
Won HumperdIncli bet upon Benson,
but the very thoughtful gentleman.
finding room somehow In his brow for
third crease, Immediately declined.
Referee can't bet" he explained re-
gretfuIly.
"a hundred to you, Ring" offered
Reggie. but Mr.. Cash, VIGOROUSLY eau
tIous, with the congenital nvnrice or
his junk dealing ancestor, shook his
head.
I'm unlucky when I scatter my
bets" he hedgGd.
mo fair" complained Reggie, pout-
ing his fat pout. IN call the police
and stop the match II I don't get bet
down"
Wallingford. studying the group with
grave interest, heSitated for decent
length of time. IF it would not be
considered forward of stranger and
nobody else cares to accommodate the
gentleman. / WILL" he venturcd.
That's sportin' blood" approved
Hickey Saunders. and not only himself.
but all his companions. surveyed wal
lIngford with new interest.
He was n big man and a cheerful
| man and his round face bore the co:or
which could only come from years or
fnstidiously selected food and drink.
Moreover, his hnberdashery. though
striking, was correct and up to the
| minute and there was no disputing the
fact that he employed tailor who
was an artist
Thanks, old chap" said Reggie
gratefully.
Ready" again asked Won Humper-
dinck.
"Ready," replied Walllngford and
Saunders in n breath.
"Shuke hands," directed Won Hum
! perdinck, the creases in his forehead
!, tightening until his bristly pompadour
seemed to slide over and halfway
down his forehead. He felt not I'M
pardonable pride in having taken
charge Of the affnir.
The principals performed the evolu.
ton to which they had been hidden.
young Falls quite gracefully and
O'Connell quite clumsily.
"Time!' called Won Humperdinck.
! swapping his stop watch.
OF course, after all this elaborate
preparation Benssy Falls. in his law
endcr silk undervest, Benssy with the
dimples, sailed in and clicked" Con-
ductor O'COnncll, clicked" him thor
oughly and completely. in three fast
rounds, in which O'Connell. the VIC
| tim Of n hundred rough and tumble
fights, slammed and banged and deliv-
cred tremendous blows upon thin Mt
mOsphere, while Benssy Falls, who
once had tlonned ladies' clothes. rouge.
powder and wig. presided ut fancy
work booth and won the majority or
votes in the beauty contest. danced
around him and punched him Mt will.
with good swinging right and left
blows which had real steam behind
them!
I'm ashamed of myself" acknowl'
edged O'Connell when the victory went
to the young man OF the dlmpIes. 81
thought boxing was more like fighting.
You win. Mr.. Falls. and for the rest
OF this trip you're running the train.
III repair the driving rod. clear the
track and proceed Immediately" and
taking his coat upon his arm and his
cap In his hand. he bowed awkwardly
ana started for the door.
You'll have nip of something be-
fore you go, won't you?" invited Bens,
sy Hospitality.
mo. thanks" replied O'Connell. 81
haven't taken drink in ten years.
and I'm in hurry anyhow. ! want to
1 ,NfaI urrl a.