Only once had Mr.Pierce found this method to fail in quelling even the sturdiest of rivals.

The recollection of that day is still a mortification to him.

It had happened on the deck of an ocean steamer.

For thirty minutes he had fought his antagonist bravely.

Then, humbled and vanquished, he had sought the smoking-room, to moisten his parched throat, and solace his wounded spirit, with a star cocktail.