The Sun Was Out Of His Eyes, And There Was Not A Mark Of A
Blow Either On His Face Or His Body.
His temper, his
presence of mind, his defence, and the rapidity of his
movements, were perfect.
The opening he had watched for came
at last. He sprang off his legs, and with his whole weight
at close quarters, struck Heenan's cheek just under the eye.
It was like the kick of a cart-horse. The shouts might have
been heard half-a-mile off. Up till now, the betting called
after each round had come to 'ten to one on Heenan'; it fell
at once to evens.
Heenan was completely staggered. He stood for a minute as if
he did not know where he was or what had happened. And then,
an unprecedented thing occurred. While he thus stood, Sayers
put both hands behind his back, and coolly walked up to his
foe to inspect the damage he had inflicted. I had hold of
the ropes in Heenan's corner, consequently could not see his
face without leaning over them. When I did so, and before
time was called, one eye was completely closed. What kind of
generosity prevented Sayers from closing the other during the
pause, is difficult to conjecture. But his forbearance did
not make much difference. Heenan became more fierce, Sayers
more daring. The same tactics were repeated; and now, no
longer to the astonishment of the crowd, the same success
rewarded them. Another sledge-hammer blow from the
Englishman closed the remaining eye.
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