That same day he went over to Tryern, where were gathered many of the old patrons of the Babylon House. These men, however they might abuse Ben when he was absent, were ready enough to praise him to his face. In fact, they were all too much afraid of him to relish the idea of having him for an enemy. They therefore told him that he had done right in defending his house against the mob, and that if they had been in his place they would have shot a dozen instead of one. With the four hundred dollars in his pocket, Ben was feeling in such good humor that he bought ten gallons of whiskey and ten boxes of cigars, all of which he distributed among the crowd. Of course they swore that he was the best fellow alive, after that. Any man would be the best fellow alive who would furnish the gang ten gallons of whiskey and ten boxes of cigars. There was one chap, John Dillon by name, who had frequently asserted that he would kill Hogan as soon as he saw him. Wishing to settle up all little matters of this kind before leaving the neighborhood, Ben, happening to run across Dillon that day, told him that he was ready to receive him whenever he wanted to put up his fists. Dillon was at first disposed to "get on his ear," but one blow on the head brought him to terms. He made up his mind that it was all a mistake; he didn't want to kill Ben at all; he didn't even want to fight with him. And so the two took a drink together, and pledged each other's very good health. Having settled up his business, Ben again left the oil country and bent his course toward Syracuse. Upon his arrival in that city he learned that Cummings, of Rochester, was anxious for a fight, and so he lost no time in giving him a chance. His first meeting with Cummings was somewhat amusing. The latter had never seen Ben, although he had heard a great deal about him. Our hero sought out the Rochester pugilist, and without making known who he was, began a conversation. "I hear," said Ben, "that you want to fight Hogan. Is that so?" "You're right it is," answered Cummings. "I have been trying to get up a fight for a long time now, but I never could bring him to time." "Well, that's odd," returned Ben. "I've been told that this man Hogan is a plucky fellow, who is willing to accept a challenge from anybody. Did you ever see him?" "Well, I went down to Syracuse," answered Cummings, "and tried to see him, but he kept himself out of my way. The fact of it is, the fellow's afraid of me!" "Oh, he is, is he?" said Ben, with a curious sort of a smile. "Well, we'll see what can be done toward bringing you together!"