As if that were not enough, this low creature had fallen lower in the social scale, if that were possible, by tending bar in the unspeakable den of Pegleg McCarron.

It was of no use for Wilbur to explain to her that his new hero chose this humble avocation because it afforded him leisure for training between his fights; that he didn't drink or smoke, but kept himself in good condition; that it was a fine chance to learn how to box, because Spike needed sparring partners.
"Oh, it's terrible!" cried Winona.

"A debased creature like that!" "You ought to see him stripped!" rejoined the boy in quick pride.
This closed the interview.

Later she refused more than a swift glance of dismay at the photograph of the bully proudly displayed to her by the recipient.

With one eye widened in admiration, he thrust it without warning full into her gaze, whereupon she had gaspingly fled, not even noting the inscription of which the boy was especially proud: "To my friend, Mr.Wilbur Cowan, from his friend, Eddie--Spike--Brennon, 133 lbs.