A prize-fight is advertised between a “chocolate soldier” and a “pale-face.” Every man in uniform buys a ticket, the returns from which go to make up a purse for the winner. There are no Turkish baths taken to reduce weight, no skipping the rope or punching the bag to improve the respiratory organs; this was completed before leaving the Philippines, by way of mountain “hikes” in heavy marching order, from early morn till dewy eve, subsisting on an emergency ration, on which you are guaranteed to exist for at least a while. Each soldier is so confident in his prowess, that training is out of the question; each imagines he will land a hook that will send his opponent to the arms of Morpheus for the customary count. Steps are removed and a hatch is battened and roped; as the time arrives for the combat, soldiers crowd around the arena, hang from spars and davits, all eager to see the “black” and “white” contest for superiority. The contestants arrive with their seconds as the band strikes up a warm selection, the gloves are slipped on, and the men take their corners. The referee is a man who holds little value on life and must be able to fight himself. Time is called. The men shake hands, then spar awhile for an opening. A soldier cries, “Fake! why don’t they fight?” They now slam each other to body and head; both are bleeding when the gong sounds. Round second opens wild; they swing, hook, and duck, hammering away with one arm free in the clinch; each man dances as he awaits a lead from his opponent; both take their corners pretty much exhausted as the gong sounds. The third round begins viciously, though each man cautiously parries off the blows; both are fighting in good old military style, when they clinch; in the break-away they mix things, and the pale soldier drops to the mat as the crowd yell, “Foul! foul!” and he is counted out. A little ammonia revives him, and he is awarded the decision on a foul, though badly whipped by his dark opponent. “Can he come back?” No one cares. The referee is the hope of the white race!