The men then commenced their toilettes. They fought in sparrow-bills instead of the objectionable spikes. On being completely peeled, their condition and physical pretensions were open for general criticism. Bendigo appeared extremely well in health, but thinner than usual, his weight not exceeding 11st. 9½lb., being 2lb. less than when he fought Caunt. His face also looked thinner, and, it could not be denied, betrayed the advance of time, and although not an old man, when compared with Paddock he certainly might be pronounced a veteran warrior. He was very quiet, and evidently foresaw that he had his work to do――work which he resolved to perform for the last time with as much acuteness as his experience could suggest. Paddock looked as fresh and fit as his best friends could desire. His face presented a glow of florid health, and there was nothing superfluous about his frame. Immediately beneath his drawers was a strengthening plaister, which seemed to cover his loins. He stood much taller than Bendigo, over whom his length of reach appeared to give him a decided advantage. Regarding the general appearance of the two men, the current seemed strongly to run in favour of youth; but, notwithstanding this apparent discrepancy, two to one was offered on Bendigo. The customary overtures having been adjusted, time was called, and the men appeared at the scratch. THE FIGHT. Round 1.――At twenty minutes to two the men were in position, Bendigo right foot foremost, with his arms close to his chest, and waiting for the attack. Paddock, on the contrary, had both arms stretched out before him, evidently, to our judgment, too much so to admit of heavy delivery. He made two or three steps forward, as if to commence the attack, but Bendy stepped back. Paddock exhibited great anxiety to get to work. Bendigo shifted his ground and got away. They played round each other in this way for a second or two, when Paddock came to a standstill, crossed his arms on his breast, and looked thoughtfully at the “old’un.” At last Paddock commenced his long-armed operations, and both flung out their feelers left and right, but without getting home. They fought wildly, and missed their blows. In the close Paddock was down, Bendy on him; but the trifling taps which reached their persons would not have ruffled the wing of a butterfly. 2.――Paddock quick to the scratch, impatient to get to work; and slight taps were exchanged, Bendy on Paddock’s body, and Paddock returning the compliment with his right. It was a scrambling affair, and the round ended in Bendigo getting down.