But the battle was not fought for lucre or fame, nor
according to the London Prize Ring Rules; it was fought in defense of
a friend's honor, and the stake was life or death. The Indian made a
rush for me, but I avoided him and warded off his blows. I did not
touch him till I saw my chance, and then I tapped him under the chin
which sent him sprawling. He arose promptly and came for me in a
rage, when I felled him with a blow on the head. Again he came, and
this time he gave me a stunning blow in the face, which maddened me
so, that I took the offensive and laid him low with a terrific hit. I
was now thoroughly infuriated and threw all caution to the winds.
When he arose once more, I attacked him. He took to his heels and I
followed him up. I noticed then that the whole crowd of Indians were
running after us, but I had now become reckless and did not mind.
Then I stumbled over a root and fell face down in the sand. Before I
could arise fully the macho had turned and thrown himself upon me. I
managed to turn over on my back and gripped him by throat and face,
so that he was really in my power, and I felt that he was subdued so
that I could easily force him under, and, small wonder, for with the
terrible grip of my hand had I once crushed a man's fingers in a
wrestling match.
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