fighting days at Monksmead. Perhaps he could "really" box, after all.
Anyhow he knew enough to hit straight and put his weight into it, to
guard chin and mark, to use his feet, duck, dodge, and side step.
Suppose Harberth knew as much? Well--since he was far stronger,
taller, and heavier, the only hope of success lay in the fact that he
was connected with the Snake--from whom mere blows in the open would
be welcome.

Anyhow he would die or win.

The positive joy of fighting _It_ in the glorious day and open air,
instead of in the Bottomless Pit--bound, stifled, mad with Fear--none
could realize....

Bully Harberth entered the ring accompanied by Shanner, who looked
like a Sixth Form boy and was in the Shell.

Harberth wore a thick sweater and looked very strong and heavy.

"If the little kid lasts three rounds with _that_" observed Cokeson to
Coxe Major, "he ought to be chaired."

Dam was disposed to agree with him in his heart, but he had no fear.
The feeling that _his_ brief innings had come--after the Snake had had
Its will of him for a dozen years--swallowed up all other feelings.

Coxe Major stepped into the ring. "I announce a friendly boxing
contest between Harberth of the Fifth, nine stone seven, and Funky
Warren (said to be no longer Funky) of Barton's House, weight not
worth mentioning," he declaimed.