The Life and Adventures of James Ward; Viewed as the Champion and the Artist (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1853 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. HIS DISGUISE AS SAWNEY WILSON--ENCOUNTER WITH HUDSON--Challenge To LANG AN--SIE BELLINGHAM GRAHAM'S PATRONAGE OF HIS TALENTS HIS TWO CONTESTS WITH SAMP-SON, AND THEIR SUBSEQUENT PROVINCIAL TOUR MATCH WITH CANNON For, 1,000--Proclaimed Champion, And Pre-Sented WITH THE BELT. Arrived at Bath, our heroes repaired to the Castle and Ball, where several-well-known amateurs, attracted by the races, had assembled from London to witness the sports. They immediately recognised Ward, and were delighted to meet him, assuring him that he could not have arrived more opportunely, for that a man of the name of Rickens, the acknowledged Champion of Bath, had been running down the Cockneys since their arrival in the City, and priding himself upon his gigantic proportions and immense strength, had openly declared that he was more than a match for any two Londoners they could find. It required very little persuasion to induce Ward to consent to meet this formidable opponent; but it was arranged that he should assume another name, and that some one should inform Rickens that an individual, just arrived from the north, called "Sawney Wilson," had been discovered, who was courageous enough to dispute laurels with him. All was speedily arranged, and in a few hours afterwards Rickens walked into the Castle, and asked for "Sawney." He was immediately introduced to him. "I understand," said the Bath Champion, stepping up to him, "that you say you will fight Rickens." "Yes, sir," replied Sawney, "I'm not particular." "Will you fight me?" continued Rickens. "No, sir," replied Sawney, cautiously, "you are too big a man for me." "Oh, am I?" said he; "well then, let me tell you, I am Rickens." "No, sure are you, though V reiterated Sawney. "Well then, as I have promised ...