MACE HAD THE BEST OF IT.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1269, 7 February 1883, Page 2

MACE HAD THE BEST OF IT.

Tnx following amusing incident, In which Jem Maee took a prominent part, must prove interesting to those who have seen and Board of his performances while in Now Zealand t —Once when a travelling Shakeapoarsan company was playing in New York, Maos was engaged for one of the characters in order to secure as much realism as possible. When the company visited Washington, Chandler, the manager, unfolded to bun a plot to “ put up a job " on Lord Roseoe. If successfully carried out, Mace would re. | reive a substantial reward. Mace consented. J That evening Conkling dropped in, as was his wont. Chandler introduced the pugilist as one of his constituents, a lumberman from Michigan. It required but little manceuvering to arrange a set-to between the New York senator and the ‘'‘lumberman. ’ The latter with a blunt candour disclaimed any knowledge of science, but added that bo was need to ’• rough and tumble fights, and could give and take some powerful blows." Conkling smiled serenely. Here was a foeman worthy of his steel—a veritable pugilistic diamond in the rough. He would chow the assembled spectators how science oonld conquer brute strength. He removed his coat and vest and tied his suspenders around his waist. They took their places, Meoe’s position was one of studies awkwardness. He held both hands in front of him, and instead of bracing himself with one leg behind the other both feet were wide apart and nearly on a parallel line. Conkling’s movements were the perfection of grace. He flourished his fists rapidly for a moment bofore Mace’s face, and then with a ** Look out for yourself I” he struck a blow straight from the shoulder. But somehow it fell short. The lumberman in bio heavy, awkward fashion had, by good lack, it seemed, just moved back far enough t? escape it, Conkling laughed and said, tn a. patronising tone. “Youdid that very cleverly," A few moments of sparring followed. Conkling aaw a good opening and made for itj but the lumberman clumsily avoided it, and countered so heavily that Conkling measured his length on the floor. He came up smiling however, and complimented the lumberman on his extraordinary luck. Not a suspicion entered his mind. In the next round Conkling succeeded in planting a few light blows on his opponent’s chest, but was knocked down at the conclusion with so much force that he was unabie to rise for an instant. When he rose to his feet it wee plain to be seen that he was very angry, but ho straggled hard to control nis emotions, He was badly used up. His *' hyperion curl " had lost Ito curve and hung limp and soggy on his forehead. His clothes were torn, while great drops of sweat rolled down hie face. The spectators were ready to shriek with laughter. Mace then “ went in." He pushed Roscoe. He crowded him ;he peon ded him. He worried him so that at last Conkling dropped into a chair aa weak and exhausted that he oonld no longer retain his legs. Then the pent up merriment of the spectators broke forth. They howled and yelled. You could have heard them a bloek. Slowly the truth dawned upon Roscoe that he had been made the victim of a ridiculous practical joke. Calmly he drew off his gloves aud quietly he arranged his disordered attire. Meanwhile the laughter continued. Ho oast a withering glance of acorn and defiance at hie tormentors, and then, with the dignity of a prince marched down the stain,