Cinder Path Tales

26 CINDER-PATH TALES announced, and my opponent was like a fiend. He threatened the referee, andswore he would break the neck of the d " ringer " with the spiked shoes. Although I was not looking for trouble, I should not have hesitated to show him I knew another game beside running if he had laid a hand on me. Thanks to his friends' persuasion, with some physical force added, hewas pulled away and through the crowd. This lasthad now become quitefriendly to me, having gone from curiosity o admiration for the man who could beat the "Chipper" even. Some shook my hand, others patted me on the back, and many suggested an adjournment to the barwith unlimited liquid refreshment as the " proper medicine for a good winner." They tookmy declining in good part, and soon Hacking forced his way to me, and tear­ ing me from my admirers, gave me a chance to retire to my room. I found Jennie atthe top of the stairs, with; tears of joy in her eyes, and a bit hysterical from excitement. Greatly to my surprise (and herown as well, when she realized what she had done), she threw both arms round my neck, and kissed me twice before she came to herself. Then there wasa bright blush, a