Mr. Billing stopped again and stood gaping with astonishment. The
aggressor was getting up from the pavement, while Mr. Purnip, in an
absolutely correct attitude, stood waiting for him. Mr. Billing in a
glow of delight edged forward, and, with a few other fortunates, stood by
watching one of the best fights that had ever been seen in the district.
Mr. Purnip's foot-work was excellent, and the way he timed his blows made
Mr. Billing's eyes moist with admiration.
It was over at last. The aggressor went limping off, and Mr. Purnip,
wiping his bald head, picked up his battered and dusty hat from the
roadway and brushed it on his sleeve. He turned with a start and a blush
to meet the delighted gaze of Mr. Billing.
"I'm ashamed of myself," he murmured, brokenly--"ashamed."
"Ashamed !" exclaimed the amazed Mr. Billing. "Why, a pro couldn't ha'
done better."
"Such an awful example," moaned the other. "All my good work here thrown
away."
"Don't you believe it, sir," said Mr. Billing, earnestly. "As soon as
this gets about you'll get more members than you want a'most. I'm coming
back, for one."
Mr. Purnip turned and grasped his hand.
"I understand things now," said Mr. Billing, nodding sagely. "Turning
the other cheek's all right so long as you don't do it always.
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