saloon, with its white satinwood panels and rows of swing chairs, heavy curtains were drawn across the portholes, all outside light was shut out from the place.  At the further end, raised slightly from the floor, was a sanded circle.  Sir Timothy made his way to one of the pillars by its side and turned around to face the little company of his guests.  His voice, though it seemed scarcely raised above a whisper, was extraordinarily clear and distinct.  Even Francis, who, with Lady Cynthia, had found seats only just inside the door, could hear every word he said.

“My friends,” he began, “you have often before been my guests at such small fights as we have been able to arrange in as unorthodox a manner as possible between professional boxers.  There has been some novelty about them, but on the last occasion I think it was generally observed that they had become a little too professional, a little ultra-scientific.  There was something which they lacked.  With that something I am hoping to provide you to-night.  Thank you, Sir Edgar,” he murmured, leaning down towards his neighbour.

He held his cigarette in the flame of a match which the other had kindled.  Francis, who was watching intently, was puzzled at the expression with which for a moment, as he straightened himself, Sir Timothy glanced down the room, seeking for Lady Cynthia’s eyes.  In a sense it was as though he were seeking for something he needed—­approbation, sympathy, understanding.

“Our hobby, as you know, has been reality,” he continued.  “That is what we have not always been able to achieve.  Tonight I offer you reality.  There are two men here, one an East End coster, the other an Italian until lately associated with an itinerant vehicle of musical production.  These two men have not outlived sensation as I fancy so many of us have.  They hate one another to the death.  I forget their surnames, but Guiseppe has stolen Jim’s girl, is living with her at the present moment, and proposes to keep her.  Jim has sworn to have the lives of both of them.  Jim’s career, in its way, is interesting to us.  He has spent already six years in prison for manslaughter, and a year for a brutal assault upon a constable.  Guiseppe was tried in his native country for a particularly fiendish murder, and escaped, owing, I believe, to some legal technicality.  That, however, has nothing to do with the matter.  These men have sworn to fight to the death, and the girl, I understand, is willing to return to Jim if he should be successful, or to remain with Guiseppe if he should show himself able to retain her.  The fight between these men, my friends, has been transferred from Seven Dials for your entertainment.  It will take place before you here and now.”