“Of course you can,” said Babe. “Charlie’s a good manager and all. But don’t let him boss you around. You know you’re a good fighter. You’d be a good fighter if Charlie wasn’t your manager. So don’t let him get too stuck on himself. He’ll start thinking he’s bigger than you.”

“Sure, you’re right about that,” Bearcat agreed.

“Oh, I know Charlie,” said Babe. “You better not let him know that we’re going to see each other. It’ll make it uncomfortable for you.”

Bearcat’s subconscious yearning for women was having its effect.

“Well, I guess I can go out with you, if I want to. I’m gonna tell him so.”

The cab pulled up at 48th Street. Bearcat paid the driver and dismissed him. Babe lived in a quiet rooming house on West 48th Street off Eighth Avenue. They stood in the hallway and Babe clung to Bearcat in a good-night kiss.

As they parted, she said:

“Don’t say anything to Charlie, about us. It won’t do no good.”

“There’s no use in sneakin’ about it,” said Bearcat. “I guess I can do what I like. Charlie don’t own me. I’ll tell him.”

“No, no!” Babe cried, quickly. “He’ll only make trouble and separate us. He’ll tell you lies about me. Say I’m no good and all that. Maybe he’ll get you to believe him.”

“Believe anything he’d say about you?” Bearcat’s head went back in surprise. “I should say not. I’m no fool!”

“Well, promise me you won’t say anything to Charlie.”

“All right, if you say so. But don’t forget about tomorrow night. I’ll meet you on the corner here at six o’clock. Is that okay?”

“That’ll be fine, honey,” Babe answered, giving him another long kiss. Then she went upstairs. Bearcat stood looking after her a minute, then he went out into the street and walked on air to his hotel.

Up to now Bearcat really had had no time for women. He had been too concerned with his career as a fighter. A fighter could not mess around with women and expect to arrive anywhere. But tonight the most beautiful woman in the world, to him, had opened the gates to an enchanting though dangerous paradise.

The Bearcat crossed to Broadway and strolled up 54th Street, to the Nelson Hotel, where he had a room. Charlie also lived there. It was a hotel where many fighters found it convenient to stop.

When Bearcat entered he found Charlie and a number of boys waiting up for him. The boys crowded around shaking hands and congratulating him on success.

“Great kid!” they told him with slaps on the back.

“Good stuff, Bearcat. Always knew you couldn’t miss!”

“You took him pah-lenty, an’ you’ll take the rest of ’em, too, sure as hell.”