Colonel Joe introduced the antagonists to the audience, standing before the footlights as he did so.

And it was at once evident who was the favourite.

The shouts were nearly all for the soldier.
The Jew took his seat in a chair down in the corner where Shere Ali was sitting, and Shere Ali leaned over the ropes and whispered to him fiercely, "Win! Win! I'll double the stake if you do!" The Jew turned and smiled at the young Prince.
"I'll do my best." Shere Ali leaned back in his chair and the fight began.

He followed it with an excitement and a suspense which were astonishing even to him.
When the soldier brought his fist home upon the prominent nose of the Singapore champion and plaudits resounded through the house, his heart sank with bitter disappointment.

When the Jew replied with a dull body-blow, his hopes rebounded.