ime is limited, so I must get to business. I think, Mr. Spring, that
you are in want of something to do at present?"

"That is so, ma'am."

"I understand from Mr. Cribb that you are prepared to fight any one at
any weight?"

"Anything on two legs," cried the Champion. "Who did you wish me to
fight?" asked the young pugilist.

"That cannot concern you. If you are really ready to fight any one,
then the particular name can be of no importance. I have my reasons for
withholding it."

"Very good, ma'am."

"You have been only a few weeks out of training. How long would it take
you to get back to your best?"

"Three weeks or a month."

"Well, then, I will pay your training expenses and two pounds a week
over. Here are five pounds as a guarantee. You will fight when I
consider that you are ready, and that the circumstances are favourable.
If you win your fight, you shall have fifty pounds. Are you satisfied
with the terms?"

"Very handsome, ma'am, I'm sure."

"And remember, Mr. Spring, I choose you, not because you are the best
man--for there are two opinions about that--but because I am given to
understand that you are a decent man whom I can trust. The terms of this
match are to be secret."

"I understand that. I'll say nothing."

"It is a private match. Nothing more. You will begin your training
tomorrow."

"Very good, ma'am."

"I will ask Mr. Cribb to train you."

"I'll do that, ma'am, with pleasure. But, by your leave, does he have
anything if he loses?"

A spasm of emotion passed over the woman's face and her hands clenched
white with passion.

"If he loses, not a penny, not a penny!" she cried. "He must not, shall
not lose!"

"Well, ma'am," said Spring, "I've never heard of any such match. But
it's true that I am down at heel, and beggars can't be choosers. I'll
do just what you say. I'll train till you give the word, and then I'll
fight where you tell me. I hope you'll make it a large ring."

"Yes," said she; "it will be a large ring."

"And how far from London?"

"Within a hundred miles. Have you anything else to say? My time is up."

"I'd like to ask, ma'am," said the Champion, earnestly, "whether I can
act as the lad's second when the time comes. I've waited on him the last
two fights. Can I give him a knee?"

"No," said the woman, sharply. Without another word she turned and
was gone, shutting the door behind her. A few moments later the trim
carriage flashed past the window, turned