to him."

"Why, man, he'd eat you."

"He might. And he might eat you too, Ned, if he had salt enough with
you. He talks big because he knows I have no money; and he pretends
he won't strip for less than fifty pounds a side."

"No money!" cried Skene. "I know them as'll make up fifty pound
before twelve to-morrow for any man as I will answer for. There'd be
a start for a young man! Why, my fust fight was for five shillings
in Tott'nam Fields; and proud I was when I won it. I don't want to
set you on to fight a crack like Sam Ducket anyway against your
inclinations; but don't go for to say that money isn't to be had.
Let Ned Skene pint to a young man and say, 'That's the young man as
Ned backs,' and others will come for'ard--ay, crowds of 'em."

The novice hesitated. "Do you think I ought to, Ned?" he said.

"That ain't for me to say," said Skene, doggedly. "I know what I
would ha' said at your age. But perhaps you're right to be cautious.
I tell you the truth, I wouldn't care to see you whipped by the like
of Sam Ducket."

"Will you train me if I challenge him?"

"Will I train you!" echoed Skene, rising with enthusiasm. "Ay will I
train you, and put my money on you, too; and you shall knock
fireworks out of him, my boy, as sure as my name's Ned Skene."