Cinder Path Tales

AND EVERY ONE A WINNER 197 and arms, andleaned back on the ropes with an air of extreme contentment. When thebell rang for the second round Paddy cameup in good condition, butwith a somewhat dubious expressionon his coun­ tenance, and he kept his left a little lower, ready to stopsome of the straight punches he had accepted so generously in the first round. He didnot swing quite as wildly as before, and althoughhit harder, the blows did not land quite as often. In the last half min­ ute, however, Johnson cut loose, and Paddy's broad face and thick neck were visited in a savage manner. The bellbarely savedhim, for the poorfellow was fairly smotheredwith blows, and yet he stood up to his punish­ ment without flinching, and fought back as best he could. Tom had lost patience whenhe saw Paddy staggering like a bullock under an axe, and though Itold him we could do nothing to help, he insisted we should at least be with the rest of the party. So the minute the bell rang for the end of the round, we crowded along the seats, and hurrying through the door,I was just in time to reach Paddy's corner before he started in for the third and last round.Now, of all men on earth Paddy believedin me; Jim and Harry were all right, anddoing allpossible for him, but