HE WAS A FAILURE.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 28 August 1914, Page 2

HE WAS A FAILURE.

"i. have come," he began to the boxing instructor, as he picked up a five-ounce glove and drew it on his right hand—"l have come to get a few lessons in boxing. I'll take about six lessons and then sail in and lick a chap who got my girl away from me. What's the first thing to be done ?" "To see if you have got the necessary grit," was the reply. " Ever have a fight ?" "No." "Ever get a smash on the nose ?" "Never." "Then you can't tell how you would j act. i'ut, on the other glove and ' square up'to me. Hands up. Now, then, imagine I'm the chap who cut you out. Do you feel mad ?" "Furiously mad." "Want to knock my head off ?" "Yes ; I want to paralyse you !" "All right, go on." Ten minutes later the young man sat up and looked around in a dazed way and asked what had happened.

"Why, I tapped you on the nose," replied the instructor. "And what did I do ?" "Started to run, and I hit you behind the ear and you fell down." "And I have no grit ?" "About as much as a spring lamb ! There's *a pail' of water and a spinge over there, and here's your coat and vest. My terms are one guinea per lssson, grit or no grit. Thanks. Please shut the outside dopr when you go down."