Cinder Path Tales

AND EVERY ONE A WINNER 195 learned to "shape himself" I never heard, but I doubt ifthere is anything like it inthe long history of " Fistiana." I have seen many queer things in old sporting prints, where the fancyof the artist, I am sure, has maligned the science of good men with their " fives," but nothing like Paddy's pose has ever appeared to me before or since. His left foot was well forward, his left arm high, as if he feared the rapof a "shillalah" instead of the straight blow of a fist. His right hand he held low behind him, readyto hit, as if he held a flail or a " bit av a scythe," and he swung his fist round and round in a little circle. Even Tom and I could not re­ frain from laughter, thecrowd yelled them­ selves hoarse, and Johnson could hardly restrain himself. The lattershaped beautifully. After his first surprise wasover he grew serious, stepped in, led lightly, landing on Pat's nose, and when Paddy, aftera belated duck, swunga terrific blow at his opponent, he found him well out ofreach. It was just as I expected: Johnson couldhit Paddy when and where he pleased. He playedwith him as acat would with a mouse. He madea punching-bag of him, hit and got away. He ducked, he countered, he dodged, he swung on Pat's jaw. He side-stepped, and tapped him lightly; he