laid for his detention; and here he was found, surrounded by a good many friends, on the arrival of the metropolitan division. An admirable inner and outer ring were formed on a spot about a quarter of a mile from the station, and few meetings had taken place in modern times at which there were so many persons of rank and consideration assembled. The total number of spectators was under 2,000, and the partisans of the men were pretty evenly balanced. Soon after twelve o’clock, Paddock, who had been reposing under some shady trees, approached the scene of action, and, flinging his tile into the ring, was received with loud applause. It was nearly one o’clock before Bendy put in an appearance. He seemed in perfect good humour, but exhibited none of those antics by which his early career was distinguished. He was quiet and easy in his deportment, and submitted himself to the guidance of Jemmy the Black and Jack Hannan. Paddock was escorted into the arena by Solid Coates and Macdonald. There was a grim smile upon his countenance. He approached Bendy, and they shook hands with apparent cordiality. Bendy pulled a roll of bank notes from his pocket, as if intending to challenge his opponent to make a bet, but this Paddock declined. The toss for choice of corners was won by Bendy, and to the surprise of many he selected that in which he had to stare old Sol in the face; and perhaps his solar majesty never put forth a more glowing phiz, for in truth it was “phizzing” hot throughout the day, and the shades of umbrellas were sought for the protection of both men, who seated themselves on the ground in their respective corners, while the usual discussion arose concerning the selection of a referee. This knotty point led to a variety of difficulties. Several persons, noblemen and gentlemen, were suggested and rejected, and at last serious apprehensions were entertained that there would be no fight. Finally, the representative of _Bell’s Life_, who had twice refused the office, was induced, rather than spoil sport, to waive his own feelings on the subject, and to undertake a duly as unpleasant as it proved to be dangerous.