And yet he knew a little about boxing.

He was strong, cool, and sound of wind; and knew enough of human nature to avoid the least appearance of doubt or hesitation in a crisis like this.
"What do you say ?" asked he.
"Rather! If you lick, we'll make you president," shouted the Club.
"As it is a business matter," said Freckleton, "and will have to go on the minutes, wouldn't it be well for someone to propose and second it ?" Whereupon Braider proposed and someone else seconded the proposal, which was put to the meeting with due solemnity and carried unanimously.
"Now," said the Hermit, slowly divesting himself of his coat when the ceremony was concluded, "I'm at your service, Bull." There was breathless silence for a moment as all eyes turned on the ex- monitor.
The blushes had left his cheeks, and a pallor rather whiter than usual was there in their place.

He stood, in a fascinated sort of way, watching Freckleton as he rolled the sleeves up above his elbows and divested himself of his collar.

He had never imagined the "dark man" would face him, still less challenge him thus before the whole Club.
The coward's heart failed him when the moment came.

He didn't like the look of things.