Chapter Twelve Summary

Peekay is almost ten, but still there is doubt in the mind of Smit if he can stand up in a competition against boys who are almost two years older than him and also, being Boers, are much bigger. One day, though, Snotnose does not show up for practice and Peekay is therefore awarded his spot on the team. Geel Piet, who is almost as happy as Peekay, delivers this message. Smit tells Peekay that he is going to lose, but that will be all right as no one should win their first match.

Peekay is very concerned about obtaining his mother's permission to go to the competition, as he is not sure where boxing stands in the eyes of the Lord. It turns out, however, that Smit has already approached his mother and that she has discussed the matter with...