(Complete Story.) THE UNKNOWN ONE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1, 7 January 1905, Page 10

(Complete Story.) THE UNKNOWN ONE.

By

H. R. DURANT.

The hot August sun had burned the surface of the shell road into a fine scorchuig powder. A puff of heated air blew this dust up into the faces of two men who were going along the road at a rather rapid gai<. One rode a bicycle; the other jogged beside him in a manner denoting suppleness and strength. The foot-fare r had an appearance so striking that one. upon gazing at him. would immediately take a second look. lie was nearly six feet tall, broad of shoulder, thick of neck, and spare of limb, and with the smooth face of a young man that yet had something old about it. It was a strong face, lightened by deepset, clear blue eyes and terminating in a -chin of such goodly proportion that manv of his adversaries called it a "mark,” and yet failed to find it with the punch iweessary to “put him away.” He was a prize-fighter out for bis morning run with his trainer. "Red” Kelley had trained scores of fighters, and his fiery, close-cropped hair and pug-fare had adorned many a ringside; aud yet he had never bandied a real world's champion. Ah, but he had one now! His present charge had fought his way with almost lightning rapidity to the front rank in the past year, and in the twelve contests, the las’ four cf which had been under Red's experienced eye. had “won out the meal tickets for the stable with a right-arm jolt,” as Red tersely expressed it. Kelley first saw him in a ten-round preliminary at the National Club with “Kid” O’Brien, a famous "trial horse.” In the seec-ml round, the right went to the Kid’s jaw and it was all over. Kelley Jcgt no time in looking up the man with the punch. He learned that the winner was an undefeated Unknown from somewhere in the West. Kelley was “next” to a wealthy politician who patronised the ring, and the trainer lost no time in telling his patron of The Unknown. The next day they hunted up the new tighter, closed business arrangements with him, and from that time to the present he had fought his matches under Red’s management, the financial backing being furnished by the politician. Of the fighter, his backers learned absolutely nothing. When he did speak it was in words different from anything to which they had ever listened outside of a theatre, and all they ever got from him in regard to-himself was that he had agreed to fight for them ami that he would do so. “And,” he added shortly, with a look at Red which gave that worthy a creepy feeling, "with me this is purely a matter of business, and as long as yon keep your end of the

bargain I shall do likewise. I hate prize-fighting and its environment of crooked politicians, state-prison candidates. and bums, and the duration of my connection with you is governed entirely by my financial •oudiiiou. Who I am or where I came from is none of your business and please be good enough to remember this.” To which Red simply said. “Yes. sir.” Afterward he told his political friend all about it, ami when be had described as best he ceuid what The Unknown had said, stuck out his chin. extended one hand, paltn downward, and asked: “Now, wnat Jo you think of that, heyt” "Kelley's Unknown” fought bis way steadily forward, and here he was at last, after weeks of newspaper wrangling and prize-ring diplomacy, matched to box Charley Ryan, the middleweight champion of the world. The match had been made for “one hundred and fiftyeight pounds, weiga in at th? ringside, for a purse of ten thousand dollars, winner take all. and also the picture privileges. for the middle weight champions' ” ” —aeeurding to the a rticles of agreement. uau The Unknown to this spot on the southern coast of Long Island because Ocean View was but a short distance from New York, where the fight was to take place, and because its good air, fine bathing, and smooth roads were excellent fur training purposes. For the past week Kelley and his "stable,” as the retinue of rubbers and "workout” boxers are known to the devotees of pugilism, had been at Ocean View. The training quarters were situated half a mile from the summer •-okmy. ami the faet that a prise-fighter and his handlers were domiciled within this distance of the wealthy summer visitors did not bring Captain Hand, the owner of the property, into very strong favour with them. Men have to train, no matter what the temperature may be. and the road work seemed unusually long to Kelsey this morning. He thought it was the hardest of all their daily ten-mile runs: but if it was arduous to The Unknown, he gave no sign. Kelley kept up a running fire of comment and advice, which was answered by an occasional nod of the head, but nothing more. An automobile came along with a roar, and then whizzed by. leaving ciouds of dust to mark its passing. The Unknown noticed that it was of the low racing type, aud that it contained a man and two girls, one of whom, in the fleeting glimpse he obtained of her, appeared to be strikingly beautiful.

“Tuna Jordan and the two daughter* •f old man Brown, aha made his money in Waft-street,” said Kelley briefly. “Whew, but it’s sufferin’ bet! You was a sucker to sign for one hundred and fifty-eight at the ringside. He thinks he's got such a cineh that he'd taken you on at one hundred and sixty, and those two psi nds means all this sweat for nothin’. Come, Jonesey, hi* her up, it’s only a mile to the bouse.” Soon after their first interview Kelley had asked rhe Unknown what his real name was, and, upon being told that it was Jones, l>ad since called him "Jonesey.” They quickened their paee, and had gone but a short distance when they heard the ehuek-a-ehuek of an automobile e-'miug from behind, and. upon turning art-jnd,' The Unknown saw that it was the <an»c party, but they were going much .-lower than before. He stopped, and they passed on. Looking at the occupants of the vehicle, he saw that all but the girl whom he had previously noticed, seemed unaware of his presence. She looked at him steadily, but with well-bred indifference. She was indeed very beautiful. A healthy outdoor life had marked her face with a rich tan, and her large brown eyes showed a depth of sweetness in her nature all foreign to the cool haughtiness with which she now surveyed the man in the road. The brisk run of the machine had blown her brown hair about in riotous confusion, and the absence of a hat showed a wealth of it. Did she gaze at him in an attempt at subjugation: Strong in the power of her beauty, and with a fascination untold, she still looked, ami then—-her eyes fell before his. Her face ehanged colour slightly, ami she raised a hand io her head to arrange her hair. The next instant something white fell from the automobile to the road, and when he reached it be saw it was a handkerchief. He picked it up, and the girt said: "Oh, Mr -Jordan, please wait; I have dropped my handkerchief.” As the machine slopped she added: “No, don't get out. This man has it, and will bring it to me.” The Unknown approached, and it seemed as if he would. The girl extended her hand and their eyes met again, but, after an instant's pause. The Unknown walked by her and. deliberately tossed the handkerchief to the man in the front seat, who eaught it deftly. The girl stiffened perceptibly, bit her lip in vexation, and, as The Unknown started away, she called out, "Here, sir!” and he paused. "This fellow's civility deserves a reward.” she continued, and. nervously opening her purse, took out a coin hastily and tossed it at bis feet in the dust. He picked it up and touched his cap respectfully, but his eyes were smiling at her mockingly. She turned her back to him, spoke to the man, ami, as the automobile moved away, the other girl exclaimed: “Why, Nan, how absurd to allow yourself to feel in any way what that common fellow did! Your face is positively red.” Kelley had continued on his wheel for some distance, and now stood waiting for The Unknown to come up with him. “What’s doin’. -Tonescyb” be asked. "Nothing much.” replied the other, with a far-away look in his eyes. “See what I earned by picking up a handkerchief!” and be displayed the coin.

e; “Hoi. yoi.! a flvetoHa*. gait vun!” claimed Irin trainer.. "Buy, but tbey’ra rotten with ’eueh.’ But mayi-e ehe mWe a mistake.’' -t .- “k guess she did,” said The Unknown thoughtfully, and, he added: "Two of .them.” Korly the next morning The Unknown appeared in hi* bathing suit, and. running down the little dove smoothly into the water. Whrn he came up he turned on hu back and saw Kelley standing in the iloorwey. "I may go as far as Sentinel Kock,” he called out. “It looks squally, and i* it comes up rough I’ll go ashore and walk back.” Sentinel Ro-k rose from the water direetly in front of the settlement proper of Oeean View. It lay about two hundred yards off shore, and was a favourite objective point for the stronger swimmers. “A good place to dine,” he thought, "and a niee little swim from there to shore.” As he approached the rock he turned toward the beaeh. and then suddenly stopped and began to tread water. What he saw was a girl swimming with short strokes. Now and then .she turned and floated on her back, evidently restiigr. At intervals a large ware broke over her, and. as he swam rapidly toward her. he ce>uld see that she was making little progress. She did not see him until he was within a few feet of her. and. when lie asked her if she needed assistance, she looked at him an instant and then shock her head. He had recvgniseii lie, imn-ediately as the girl who liad tossed the money at h:s feet the day before, and he saw that she remembered liini. For a few feet he swain silently by her side. Evidently her destination was Sentinel Rock, which was now fifty feet away, but The Unknown knew by her actions that she was very tired. — ' “Put your hand on my shoulder.’’ ho said, and mechanically she obeyed. In this way they reached the lee of the roek, and he assisted her on it. She was completely exhausted, and he waited for her to recover. “Your presence was very fortunate for me,” she finally said, "and I am very grateful for your help. It seemed to grow rough all in a moment, and I wan too far out to turn back when 1 found myself growing tired. I take this swim generally in the morning before breakfast. but there is usually some one with me.” Yesterday she was haughty, strong in her beauty and conscious of her power, but today there was naught but gratitude in her glance and embarrassment in her manner. "I am glad that I was here,” he replied. "I'll help you back when you ieefl strong enough.” "If you would be so good,” she an* swered. smiling at him rather mischievously. and then, after a pause, during which The Unknown refused to meet her glance, she said: "I am Miss Brown and perhaps you will find time to look mu up soon.” "Yes, thank you,” he said, flushing slightly: "my name is William Jones: fl am staying down the beach.” "I noticed the 'S’ on your jersey yesterday. I have never before seen that initial on that colour.” - •

' -He eyed -her aenrehingly far m instant. «ni bia Aar grew * daile« red an Aw answered: “I graduated from Standard University.” .- “What special prowess won the ‘S'F’ ahe naked. . •‘Footbail." . "Of eour-e. Low stupid of me! That in what you were training fur yesterday. wasn’t it?” “L hope yon will pardon me. Miss Brown, but realty we ought to go baek.” he said. They slid into fbe water and at bis suggestion see placed a han't on cacti shoulder. She f-rgnt everytliug in her admirat'on for the speed he displayed in going through tn© water and in the working* of the mu=ele» of his shoulders which felt like cords of steel beneath her hands. They scrambled through the surf up cut of reach of the foam, and extendi:" ner baud, the girl said: “Don’t you think ycu were rude to me yesterday Y ■ The Unknown held her hand for an instant and she noticed -Las melancholy manner. H’s eyes looked into hers but he seemed to see something far away. In spite of herse’f. she waited for his answer in suspense. fascinated by his vague resentment, and wii.at conscious of a tingling of stame. ■ “Perhaps I was. but I thought yon were simply trying to override me and I resented it.” he replied gloomily.

“Well.” she has’ened to say. ■■everything seemed so peculiar. I am serry I tried to humiliate you. because, in spite of your apoearahee I" thought- you were —well —different from the man with you who was sueti a queer looking person. • Again his faee reddened anti she continued in a eenfuwej manner: “But you will drop in soon, will you not. and allow father to thank you personally for your kndaess this morning? ’ ‘•Yes, very soon I hope, and until then good-bye," he said gently. One evening a wetdr later, Kelley said to The Unknown: “The air is good and cool to-night. Joneoey.’ snd you’d better take a walk before you go to bed." When he stepped outside it was dark. Out on the fear the swish-swash, swishswash of the waves droned monotonously. but all other sounds were hushed. He walked rapidly with his eyes on the ground and ame to himself suddenly as fee rounded the point, when he heard the faint sound of musie. The Surf House, which was the principal hotel, -was ablaze wi tlt light. As The Unknown drew near. the music

resolved. itself- -into a. dreamy and then he mliset for the first lime that it was the evening for the regular weekly hop at the hotel. Foe a moment be stood mot km leas, and then suddenly became aware that a figure was seated on a sand dune within a few feet of him. It arose, and then something in the poise, be could not tell what, told hint it was she. Going to her. he said: "Is it you?" "Yea.” she answered in a low voice. "I have been watching you and wondering why you have net been to see me.” “I intended to," he replied, “but business matters detained me. How is it you arc not dan ring?” "The dance has just started.” she answered. “It is the first number, and P wandered down here for a momertt !•» get a breath of air- My erd is full, and I suppose somebody will come for me directly.” She waited fcr him to speak, but he only bowed his head, conscious of the soft file of her eyes on his hair and mindful of the fact that she knew there was something about himself for him to explain, and that she was anxious to know —because she cared. The musie rose and fell alluringly, and fcr an instant he had the mad desire to pick her up in his arms and carry her off—■ he knew not where. Well—he drew a deep breath —be had put lus hand to the plow; there- must be no turning back. It-was too late fur subterfuge. He would not deceive further. - Raising his head ha- looked at her and saw the appeal in her glance. What she saw in his eyes ctused her to place a hand to her heart as though suddenly .startled, and she trembled likea.leaf shaken by the wind.- In a voice, low and intense, be began. "There is something you should know"—but just then somebody ran down the steps from the hole! verandah and a masculine voice called out : . “Oh.. Miss. Brawn I I say. Miss Brown, are you out here?” , On instant later The Unknown glided away in the darkness, and she wjited tjie exiling of-her partner, absolutely speechless. She was ashamed and proud, humiliated and happy, filled with wild rage at turn amt at herself and frightened withal. Without reason or thought, or right- he had drawn her to him and deliberately kissed her, and-she-had —returned it. The boxing contingent Lad converted

C-aplain Hand’s barn into a temporary ysiiium where, after his morning run. The Unknown finished tfia first half of every day’s work by punching the bag, tossing the big medicine lull, working the ebest weights and wrist machine, and .skipping the rope, followed by a brisk rubbing down and a thorough massage treatment, which left him with a voracious appetite for bis mid day meat In the afternoon he limbered up on the paartaing hag and then boxed four rounds with eaeb of the three “wrrkoul" boxers in the ’•'stable." After thia he was at liberty to fake a walk. fish, go sailing, or amuse himself in any way he chose. Due attensoon, a week after the dance at the Surf House, as The Unknown and Andy Johnson were putting on the wellwon: live-ounce gloves for the first bout, Kelley suddenly appeared and said: “Say. fellers, there’s a swell mob cutside from down the l-eaeh waitin’ for you to git into some clothes before they comes in. They want to see yon box. and they’ll be inside as soon as the dcors open. Andy, you'll have to put on your glad rags, ’cause they won’t stand for nothin* but a Bowcry grin. I guess that bathin’ suit of yours’ll do you, Joaesey.” Then, going up to The Unknown end eyeing him for an instant searetnngly, he continued: “You look kinder white. I hope you ain’t gittin' too fine. Do you feel good? You want to do your prettiest today. ’cause that girl what gave you the V is in the party, nnd she’s entitled to" a ringside seat." The Unknown turned abruptly rnd grasped the wrist machine with a vigour which caused Kelley to remonstrate with him.

There were six in the visiting party, three ladies and three men. and when they entered the barn the Unknown and Johnson were boxing their first round. The pace was furious, and the Unknown daueed in and out with the grace of a panther, rocking his opponent’s head *»ek irith a straight left apparently whenever he desire-1, and then defending himself from the c-ther’s blows so cleverly that the men were immensely interested hi the scene. As The Unknown side-stepped and got cut of the w-y of one of Johnson’s rushes, hi; eyes left the other boxer for an instant and he saw her. The look of disgust acd horror on her faee told him plainer than words what she thought. Turning, s’ekly, to his work again. The Unknown tried a right swing :nl missed by almost a foot. He heard her laugh, and this pulled him together.- He looked at her again as he sat in his char, and she gazed ti>rough him nil the open door into the backgrcstn 1 of marsh and fields. But Ise was b?rond the sting of her indifference. Her laugh at his awkward move had graded h : m and now. manlike, be wanted to break something.

His eyen were nething bnt two smaH Hits - ■ken fee moved to the centre ot the floor for the third round, and then —Jofensow lay flat on I-.ia back on tba mat. There was a feminine ery of alarm, and the Unknown stepped back and wa'ted for the falling boxer lo rise. He got up diieetly. and then with a rash went for Ibc Unknown, who laughed sneeringiy an I beat him bae'e without mercy. When time was called, poor Johnson was reeling ab ut, and Kelley said to him: “That’ll be about all from you." Ils had cease! to w rrv ab»ui The Unknown's phys ca! condition. While Danny Welch was putting on the gloves and getting ready for the second workout. KeHmr told The Unknown that “the swells wan's a knockdown to you." and he wa'ke I over to where the visiters stood. They noticed Ms ease of msnn-r am! marve» l ed at his graceful a ’ —wledgment of the introduction. Jordan began: "You do not look 1 ke a prize-fighter. Mr —er —” “Jones.” sail The Unknown, with j'sxt the flicker of a smi'e. “Oh. yes; Jones." sail -Tor-dan. cy-mg The Unknown er’ticnFy. “I guess that most figh‘e“s are bai enough." be rerlie’ “bnt they are painted worse then »■ reaVy are." “Of course, you e ‘o win.” “I knew 1 sha ! l —y‘hing for which I set ont.” sail The Unknown xvith conviction, and b s eyes rested for ■ moment upon Miss I»riv.n. “If I am not mistaken." she hastened to sav, "you very kindly picked un my handkerchief for me cn the Durham turnpike.” and then she a I led patronjs’ng’y: “Ob. yes; I saw you once." “I could not forget such a moment t’S occasion.” he replied, an.! he rdded: “O'-, ves :T do remember me*t’"g veu e— .-a ” Al this she moved away with a «hrng of her shoulders, and began pushing the punching bag ba-k n--! for*’' n a most absent-minded manner. A led mist scCmcd to float across The Unknown's vision, and when Kelley said. “All right. Joncscy, come on,” he walked toward bis new opponent with bis calmness and good judgment thrown to the four winds of heaven. There was much for the visitors to talk about as they wended their way hemeward, but the •■iris did pot reat.se that they probably bad enjoyed the unique distinction of being the only members of the feminine sex to witness the complete knock-out of two men within a period of two minutes. And the men never told them. The hard training was coming to * close. It was now three davs before the championship battle, and The Unknown had m* seen b-r since the visit to rhe training ouarters. Slipping on a coat, he walked rapidly from the house to the

shore, and then along the beach in the direct ion of the voltages. A full moon hung over the ocean. W ben he reached the cottage settlement, The Unknown took to the road and walked briskly along. In the Brown jiavilion sat a’girl With her arms on the railing und her face resting in her bauds. Her eyes were seaward, looking out and beyond the moon’s splendour. By her side was a Boston terrier, whose soft eyes ami dejected attitude seemed to share the melancholy manner or his mistress. A grow 1 from tire dog gave warning of the approach of some one, and, looking down the road, she perceived a man coming along rapidly, and apparently bent in her direction. The smart Panama hat and immaculate flannel suit were a strange attire for The Unknown, and she did not recognise him until ho had crossed the walk and stood bareheaded before her'. The girl arose with flashing eyes and started to speak, but he motioned her baek to her seat and began: •‘I shall not detain you long, but you must hear what 1 have to say.” ‘•Must?” ‘•Yes. I have no explanation to offer for the prize-fighter called The Unknown, but I want you to learn you were not mistaken in your opinion of me before you found out my present occupation. You know I am n prize-fighter, you thought I must have been something else, and I want you to be sure that you were right in your opinion.” “I am sure you have never been anything but a prize-fighter and positive that you will never be anything else,” she said contemptuously. “Perhaps not, to you,” he said, “but ns this is probably the last time you will ever see me, I ask you to be fair, if not generous.” “You are very presumptuous,” she said coolly. “Why should I care what you are now or what you think you are not? I do not choose to waste a single thought on you. Will you be good enough to go, or shall I call for some one?” She turned her head away and, humming as though to herself, idly drummed upon the railing. Her studied indifference apparently was not noticed, for he continued: “You know I am a college man and a gentleman.” “Absurd!” “Yes, you do. I saw you looking at my society pin a moment since, and you k now ” “How dare you keep me here,” she exclaimed with sudden heat, “and compel me to listen!” “Because I want you to know that you are a school friend of my sister and because you told her once you did not believe her brother guilty of a crime, and for that belief John Willard thanks you from the bottom of his heart.” “You—you—are Jack Willard,” she breathed, staring at him wildly, and then, recovering herself, “I don’t believe you.” “Two years ago,” he continued hurriedly. “I was in business With dad” — his voice broke —“and a large sum of money was taken from the firm. My brother Will accused me and I acknowledged it, wliich forced me to leave home. But Madge has told you. Well, in desperation I took up this, hiding my

identity, forgetting my friends and forgotten by them, and seeking money this way. I was the amateur champion on the Coast and the rest has been easy. I felt I must tell yon this because your —your —interest in me was not altogether misplaced, because—could I have had the opportunity of meeting you the same as other meh, things ”

“It is useless,” she said. “It is simply what you are. Of course, I was familiar with the whole terrible story, but nobody thought you would ever come to this.” He winced perceptibly. “I cannot understand why you do not return home and resume your former place.” He looked at her queerly and she asked:

“Did you not know your brother received an army appointment several months ago and confessed to having appropriated the money himself? Madge writes that your father has searched for you everywhere.” “No,” lie answered wearily; “I have not heard from Sis in a long time, but it doesn’t matter now. As you say, it is ■what one is that counts, and I am a prize-fighter. Well,” he drew himself up, “I shall fight my last fight in two nights, and then, to battle with life in earnest. I want you to think kindly of me, and, if you ever do remember me, I hope your recollection will be of a man who was glad to do you a small service when he could. Good-bye, Nan, and God bless you.” At eight-thirty the club-house was filled with a sweltering mass of humanity. At nine o’clock it was announced to the five thousand sports outside who were clamouring to get in that no more tickets would be sold, and from then until the winner was announced the police were forced to labour hard in order to preserve order and protect the property of the club. Outside, the turbulent mob swayed back and forth, while within, collars soon wilted and coats were immediately stripped off, irrespective of their owners’ social status. The postless twenty-four-foot ring was fastened to a platform directly in the centre of the building. Surrounding the platform were boxes, the heads of the occupants being even with the platform floor and allowing those behind an unobstructed view of the arena. Next were the aisles, and then from them straight up to the roof of the huge barn-like structure, on all four sides of the building, ran the seats for the common herd. The light which beats upon a throne was an early twilight compared with the white glare which descended to the mat from a myriad of arc-lights above the ring. The light was so fierce that the rest of the building seemed to be in total darkness, and the incessant lighting of matches by the smokers on the tiers of seats was like the flash of fireflies outside in the hot summer night. Occasionally an impatient spectator began a stamping of feet, and this ■was taken up by the rest, fairly shaking the big building and sounding like tho roar of distant thunder. Ryan came in with his handlers clustered about him, and made his way with difficulty down the aisle to his dressingroom. His appearance was the signal for a great cheer, and the spontaneous ovation showed him to be a pronounced favourite. As soon as he disappeared

the odds went to ten to six in hia tar vour. The Unknown’s chief backer was the portly palitician. He was there in all his magnificent splendour, his silk hat on the baek of his head, his sac-coat on one arm, and in his mouth a big black cigar which continually pointed to the roof. When ten to six was offered, and then two to one on Ryan, he yelled: “Here, gimme some of that! It’ll do for mine”—“You’re on. I’ll take that till the rows come home”—“No! no finger bets for me; show me the long green” —and then, after he had accepted al’ the bets in his vicinity, sat down and said hoarsely: “It’s like stealin’ candy from a kid.” Up from a box rose a man in evening elot lies, and from a roll of money as big as a piano leg he began to strip off one hundred dollar bills and hand them to his commissioners, who placed them wherever a man wanted to bet on Ryan. It was Jordan, and, when he finally sat down, it was even money on The Unknown, with few takers, and the talent was nonplussed. The announcer shrieked from the two sides of the ring that both men had made the required weight, and then, to occupy the attention of the impatient throng, lie announced the presence of different past and present pugilistic champions, who arose from the boxes in turn to receive royal homage. While two youngsters were boxing it twelve-round preliminary, The Unknown came in and passed through the crowd almost unnoticed. He wore a smart serge suit, and, but for the critical glance which he gave the ring and the lights overhead, seemed unaware of his surroundings. Prom the opposite corner of the building came a crowd of men with n bareheaded man in the centre. A deafening cheer arose, which soared to the beams overhead, and then pounded back again to the floor. Tt lasted until Rvan made his way un the steps, through the rones, and finally sat on his chair in his corner- He wore a white sweater and trousers, and a hundred arms were unraised to shake hands with the champion. A few moments later, from the other corner, came another crowd. Ten thousand curious eyes were focused on The Unknown, hut few apnlauded his appearance. Behind him was the faithful Kellcv. with towels on his arm. a wooden pail filled with ice-water in which were the regulation sponge, lemons, and

bottle of cold tea. When The Unknown stepped over the ropes it was seen that he wore a dressing-gown, and from a rear seat somebody yelled, “Oh, mammal Pipe Gusaie in his little nightie,” which brought forth a shout of derisive laughter. The Unknown scraped his feet in the powdered resin, and then Ryan walked over and shook hands with him. "May the best man win,” said Ryan. ( “He will,” answered The Unknown. The rcd-coloured gloves were placed upon a sheet of wrapping-paper in the centre of the ring, and from them Kelley; and Ryan’s trainer each selected a pair. The referee jumped into the ring. He was ail business, from his shining baldhead to his tennis shoes. An instant later he said: j “All right, put on the mitts.” The Unknown reached into a pocket of his dressing-gown, and his hand came out closed over something which glittered when the light struck it. As unconcerned as the movement was, it did not escape Kelley’s watchful eye, and, as The Unknown shoved the object under the bandage in the palm of his- right hand, Kelley saw that the shining article was a five-dollar gold piece. Red said nothing, but he had a most peculiar expression on his face as he assisted Tins Unknown in drawing on tbe gloves. Kelley felt in his pocket for his picee of whalebone, his adhesive plaster, and, his small bottle of ammonia. Then he drew off The Unknown’s dressing-gown and held a cold sponge to the back of the latter’s neck.

“Come on boys,” said' the referee from the centre of the ring, and both fighters walked to him to receive final instructions. Not a sound could be heard in that great building. It was a tense moment. The throng had its first opportunity of comparing the two men. Ryan was the shorter of the two, and of broad and stocky build, with great knots of musdes on his brown baek and slioulders, whereas The Unknown’s skin, on his breast and thighs, was like polished marble. His- musetes were long and sinewy. Ryan was the strong, rugged, heavy-jawed bull-dog; The Unknown the little tiger, with all of that animal’s powerful strength and beautiful grace. Considering physical appearances only, it was a truck horse against a thoroughbred. The ring was empty now, save for the referee and the two contestants, who stood in their respective corners waiting the clang of the bell. You eould hear a

pin drop anywhere, and then —tung! — ah!—there was a sound aa though many men had sighed in unison—the bell had struck.', ,

“Keep away at first and kid him along/' said Kelley aa The Unknown left his corner. Ryan wore a confident smile, and, as he sprang forward and backward and then sideways, with faia head drawn between his shoulders, he looked every inch a champion. Suddenly he rushed, but The Unknown danced nimbly away, came back immediately, and jabbed the champion’s head with a lightning-like left. Twice did Ryan essay to rush, and twice was he Sed short with Straight left-hand cs, but with little damage resulting.

lor three years Ryan had been ehampion, and deemed invincible because of his ability to rush in upon his adversary, beat down his guard with an avalanche of fearful blows, and then knock him out at his pleasure. Ho had never boon knocked out or defeated in his life, and, from his ability to withstand punishment, nright well have been called physically immune. The Unknown had been trained to light him at long range, or, as Kelley expressed it:

“Feint him ’till he’s tied in a knot; then when he rushes, go to a clinch or leg it. Git him mad au’ he’s yours.” Ryan showed his displeasure in the second round by scowling when The Unknown kept successfully ducking his swings and side-stepping his bull-like rushes. He was plainly nettled. Occasionally Ryan would corner his elusive antagonist, and then the latter would clinch and protect himself effectively in the bre-ak-away. To the great surprise of the multitude The Unknown landed three hard, straight lefts, without a return, on Ryan’s nose and mouth, slipping away easily from the champion’s dangerous counters. As he sat in his chair Kelley said gleefully: “You got him bleedin’ in the mouth. I seen him swallowin’ it three times. He don’t want you to have first blood or know you hurted. him. Yes, see?” he whispered exultantly; “he jest spit a toot in ‘Chappie’ Doren's hand.” In the third round they fought harder, and during a slashing mix-up Ryan got home a bard right on the Unknown’s left eye. Both were in fine condition, yet the fast work was shown in their hard breathing. The Unknown’s stock had taken a big rise and even money was now freely offered on him. Ryan had lost his confident expression, while The Unknown boxed on without a change of feature. His face was as expressionless as stone, and, as he moved about, seemingly on steel springs, he was the typical fighting machine. Up to this point he had not tried his right hand, but confined himself to jabbing and uppercutting with the left. The old-timers were settling down to a long fight. Ryan’s rushes were futile, and he became exasperated. “Stand up and fight,” he sneered.

“Hit me,” invited The Unknown mockingly, as lie blocked two hard swings. So far no blood had been shed, but the fighting was so fast that the great crown was becoming wildly excited. “You’ll have a shiner, all right,” said Kelley when the third round was all over, as he washed the damaged eye; “but I guess she ain’t goin’ to close. Work the right to the body and git inside .his punches. Shake him up. He’s got a bad right- Watch it.”

It was now the fourth round, and easily The Unknown’s fight on points. They exchanged body blows and both missed for the head. Ryan had stopped rushing and fought more warily. Suddenly he feinted with his left and then made as to stop back. The move completely fooled The Unknown, who, thinking Ryan was about to retreat, went toward him, but Ryan stopped in instead and landed a right-arm jolt flush on the point of The Unknown’s jaw. The blow did not travel over ten inches, but its force was terrific. The Unknown pitched forward, stink on his face on the floor, and lay motionless. The hush of death fell ou the great throng. With a laugh Ryan turned and walked toward his corner of the ring. His seconds ■were shaking hands with each other jubilantly. Apparently it was all over. The referee began to count: “One! ”•—“Two 1 —•

The Unknown feebly turned over on his liack and opened his eyes wondcringly. —“'Three!’’--"Four I”

As he lay there, the electric Tights •verhead seemed to be a million blinding Star* which shot off into space and back

again to his head with the force of K trip hammer. —“Five!”—“Six!”—

“Why,” he thought, as a shower of cold water descended on his face, “it’a raining, and I didn’t know the roof liad blown off”—but it was only the water from a sponge in Kelley’s hand, thrown at him from outside the ring.

—“Seven!”— How did he come to be lying down, anyway T

—“Eight!”— And then he heard Kelley’s voice say hoarsely: “Jonescy! Jonesey! for God’s sake, git up! Quick!” Instantly he realised where he was. —“Nine!”

He rose to his knees. —“Ten!”— But he was on his feet before the fatal number had sounded.

A perfect bedlam of sounds rent the air. Men cursed and yelled with joy, hats and cushions went into the air, and a thousand voices roared to The Unknown, “Keep away! Stay back!” aa Ryan went at him with the fierce viciousness of a bull-dog. Ryan did his best to finish him, but The Unknown clinched and clinched again, staggered about like a drunken man, only to come back and cling to Ryan, holding on with mad desperation until the referee literally tore him away; and all the while Ryan was endeavouring with the ferocity of a madman to land one. of his sledgehammer blows where it would end the fight for good. The Unknown’s brain was dear, but he had lost control of his body. Another great roar arose as the bell clanged and The Unknown zig-zagged to his corner. While Kelley scraped his tongue with the whalebone and then held the reviving ammonia to his nose, one second vigorously flapped a big towel at him, another second soused his head with iee-water, and still another rubbed his legs frantically. He was himself again in a few seconds, and then into his brain surged a mad desire to beat Ryan into a jelly. Caution and coolness left him with the speed of light, and in their place came the one insane idea that as soon as that bell sounded he would punch Ryan into an unrecognisable mass. Again before his eyes floated a red mist, enveloping and covering all except Ryan’s Celtic face which leered out at him.

“Keep away from him this round, Jonesey, for the love of God,” said Kelly, “and lay up till yon git over bein’ groggy. You’ll beat him yet, if you keep cool.”

“Keep away nothing,” almost hissed The Unknown; “I’ll lick him in this round or he’ll lick me.”

“What!” gasped Kelley; “don’t you want to win the championship?” “To ■ with the championship!” cried The Unknown, and the bell rang for the call of time.

He met Ryan's oper/ng rush with an awful right-hand punch full on tho eye, and the champion stopped short as though hit with a club. Then, as The Unknown cut loose, the mob went frantic. Never was soon such a fight as this, and never was there such a whirlwind of blows as descend d upon Ryan, who tried hard to retaliate in useless efforts. Ryan swung both hands time and again, tried all of the moves and blows of which he had been master, but at such times his opponent was not there, although back again instantly with his deadly left-hand jabs. Another jab, and Ryan wobbled unsteadily, partly dropping his hands. “He’s got hint!” yelled the crowd.

Shaking his head, the champion plunged at his antagonist, who did not retreat now but beat him back vengefully. Four times more that deadly left hand went to Ryan's head. Slowly his hands fell to his side, and then —- thud!—a terrible right-arm swing hit his jaw with the force of a battering rain, nnd then—flat on his back lay an ex-champion of the world.

After a Turkish bath The Unknown returned to the hotel. It required two policemen to escort him through the cheering crowd into the safety of the hotel office. Once in bed, his mind dwelt continually on the incidents which had' occurred at Ocean View. Yes, he was the champion, but what did it all matter now? He was almost sure that she had returned Ids kiss —bang, bang, bang!—nnd lie awoke with a start to hear some one rapping on his door. “The gentleman said this was a most important message, sir,” said the awestruck bell-boy jerkily, as he watched The Unknown in wide-eyed adoration

and then handed him a note. This is what he read: Holland House. Come to me. Nan. Thursday morning. An hour later John Willard's card was handed to Miss Brown. The answer was for him to come right up. tie stood before her with his head in a whirl and heard her say: “Mother and I came to town yesterday for a little shopping. We are going back —to-day—and wc —that is—l—■ wanted to tell you that” —her face flushed hotly—“l—am glad—you—won.”

Her lips were tremulousy, and she unclasped her hands nervously. Her eyes fell. He went to her, and, laying his hands on her shoulders, turned her more directly to the light, so that she was forced to look into his eves.

“Speak,” he said, in a low voice. He had grown very white. She did not answer. '! sit

“Will you tell mo?” he asked, in a voice she knew to be a command, even

though there .was a world of doubt and anguish iu his tone. She w*> unnerved by the situation, with the thoughts of what she had done, and by his almost desperate manner, and thou, covering her face with her hands, »he burst into tears. “Oh, yes. yes, yes!” she cried wildly. It was a vague answer, but the only one he required. He folded her witbin his strong arms, and held her close until her sobs ceased. That afternoon, as the California limited express left Jersey City, some of the passengers in one of the Pullin.in eoaches came to the correct conclusion that two of their number were a bridal couple. The groom had a black eye.