THE RESULT 265 
We heard no more from any of the fighters 
until nine in the morning. In looking them over 
I found that the Swede had as sore a head as 
either of the others, though he had never taken 
a blow. 
Many friends came to see the boys during the 
days of their seclusion, to congratulate them on 
their fortunate escape, and to compliment them 
on their skill and courage. The lads enjoyed 
being made much of, and their convalescence was 
short and cheerful. Of course Sir Tom was the 
most constant and most enthusiastic visitor. 
The warm-hearted Irishman loved the boys al- 
ways, but now he seemed to venerate them. 
The successful club fight appealed to his national 
instincts as nothing else could have done. 
« With twenty years off and a shillalah in me 
hand I would have been proud to stand with you. 
By the Lord, I’m asking too much! IT’ll yield 
the twenty years and only ask for the stick!” 
And his cane went whirling around his head, 
now guarding, now striking, and now with elabo- 
rate flourishes, after the most approved Donny- 
brook fashion. 
« But, me friend Jarvis, what is this you have 
on your face? Pond’s Extract! Oh, murder! 
_ What is the world coming to when fresh beef 
_ and usquebaugh are crowded to the wall by bad- 
smelling water! Look at me nose; it is as 
straight as God made it, and yet many a time 
it has been knocked to one side of me face 
