And he took it--as a man will--unconscious of receiving anything.
"Why?
Oh--it's the rules of boxing.

The whole thing is supposed to be done in a friendly spirit.

These chaps down here would probably cut each other's throats for a song.

What's the good of their shaking hands ?" The combatants were still standing reluctant.

It seemed for the moment as if the whole affair were about to topple over into a state of confusion.
"Go on, Jim," urged one man in the ring; "shake 'ands wiv 'im.