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Page 6
THE HISTORIAN OF HANCOCK COUNTY
move were soon made, and in a very short while the whole company were on the way back to the hotel, along a beautiful road, over which thick branches of the white oak hung. Here was a fine opportunity to ask questions, and the opportunity, of contrast, was improved.
?Have you any fears now, Mr. Madden, in regard to the fight not taking place?? was the question put to the trainer.
?None in the least now. I know my man would fight, but I must confess that I was once not so sure about Ryan. Not that I believe he will shirk the fight, because I am very sure he is game; only I was afraid others would place difficulties in his way that not all his bravery could overcome. But since I talked matters over with Ryan in New Orleans, only a few days ago, I have changed my opinion considerably about the whole business. Now I know there will be a fight, and I do not believe anything can prevent it.?
?Then you saw Ryan when in New Orleans. Were the preliminaries of the fight arranged then??
?No, only some minor matters, but I am very sure there will be no difficulty about any of the minor points yet to be discussed. I must say I was very pleasantly greeted, and I feel certain that everything will be done on the square. I will bet now any amount of money that there will be a fight, sure.?
?Did Sullivan see Ryan, when he passed through here on Monday??
?Yes, Ryan was looking out of a window of one of the coaches when he saw Sullivan and he at once called out to him and asked how he was getting on. ?First rate,? replied Sullivan, and he went forward and gave Ryan his hand. They then chatted together very pleasantly until the train started, when Sullivan said, ?Good-by, Paddy, I will see you later.? Ryan at once said, ?I?ll be on hand, sure.??
?What did you think, Madden, of Ryan?s condition as it appeared to you??
?Well, to answer this question exactly, I think he is carrying too much flesh, and I do not believe he can train it off in this climate without serious injury. Ryan must now have twelve pounds more of superfluous flesh on him than he should have, and with that he is not fit to fight Sullivan.?
?Do you still entertain the same high opinion of your principal that you did when in New Orleans??
?Yes, sir, I do; and still hold him to be the best fighting man in the world, without any exception whatsoever. A good deal has been said about certain special points that are claimed for Ryan; and yet I am very sure people will be astonished when they see Sullivan stripped in the ring. The most stubborn now will change their opinions then. They will learn then that Sullivan can hit hard and quick, and can stand up quite as long in the scratch as Ryan; and you may depend on it he is something of a wrestler, too. Just wait and you will see.?
?How long do you think that the battle will last??
?Not longer than thirty minutes. Both men mean business, and there will be no time lost in sparring. Now one of the men must be whipped in that time if regular business is carried out, and I still believe my man will be found uppermost when the last call is made. If Sullivan only fights as well as he looks, he will do, but I think he fights even better than he looks.?
?Who will be Sullivan?s second in the ring??
?Joe Goss will be, certainly. So it has been decided.?
?Who will you select for referee??
?Well, I have half a dozen in my head to make a selection from, any one of which I am sure would do well by us. I do not want anyone that is not above all suspicion. Lots of such men can be found in New Orleans that would exactly fill the bill, and out of them I expect to make my choice.?
?What is your mode of training, Mr. Madden, as now pursued, in getting Sullivan ready for the coming contest??
?Here it is exactly as I have written it down. Sullivan gets up at 7 o?clock. After washing his face and brushing and washing his teeth, he rinses his mouth and takes one or two swallows of pure spring water. He then removes his night clothing, sponges his body with sea water, and is well rubbed, perfectly dry, with coarse towels. After dressing he takes a gentle walk of one mile before breakfast. Breakfast consists of beefsteak or mutton chops cooked to suit the taste, with