But, of course, the anticipation of coming sport had something to do with their glee at the acceptance of the challenge.

The big man was as powerful in build as he was ugly, and the moment he opened his mouth I realised that for once Yamba had gone too far in proclaiming my prodigious valour.

He said he had heard about my wonderful "flying-spears," and declined to fight me if I used such preternatural weapons.

It was therefore arranged _that we should wrestle_--the one who overthrew the other twice out of three times to be declared the victor.

I may say that this was entirely my suggestion, as I had always loved trick wrestling when at school, and even had a special tutor for that purpose--M.