there isn't any sense in getting mauled up when you don't have to.
I'll go ashore and buy a set of six-ounce gloves, a set of two-ounce
gloves and a punching bag. For the next three weeks you won't have
anything to do except prepare for the battle, and I can teach you a
lot of good stuff in three weeks. To be fore-warned is to be
fore-armed, Matt, and if Cappy has sent a Holy Terror to clean you,
give him a regular fight, even if he licks you."

Matt Peasley nodded. He entertained a profound respect for Mr.
Murphy's judgment.



CHAPTER X

THE BATTLE OF TABLE BAY


In due course Captain Ole Peterson arrived at Cape Town. As the
steamer which bore him slipped up Table Bay to her pier All Hands And
Feet saw a big barkentine, flying the American flag, at anchor just
inside the breakwater and rightly conjectured she was his future
command. Three hours ashore proved ample time to consummate all of
the Retriever's neglected business. He discovered that the man to
whom he was to administer a good, sound, commercial thrashing, as per
Cappy Ricks' instructions, had already purchased and gotten aboard
stores and water for the voyage back to Grays Harbor, so All Hands And
Feet drew some money from the consignees, to be deducted from the
freight money, paid off all the vessel's bills, 0.K.'d the consignees'
statement of account to be forwarded to the owners, received a