Before Joe could utter another word the Bearcat had hung up, and was on his way to a jewelry store, where he bought the necessary ring. Then, slipping his two and a half carat diamond ring off his finger, he handed it to the jeweler.

“How long will it take you to put that in a lady’s setting?”

“Not long,” the jeweler said, “I’ll do it right away.”

The jeweler showed him a tray of beautiful settings to select from. The Bearcat chose one he hoped Babe would like.

From there he went to the barber’s, where in a short time he had everything in the place done to him. Haircut, shave, massage, tonic. All the extras.

Then he purchased a clean collar and a new tie and started to the hotel.

In the meantime, Joe Malone had snapped into his best clothes, drunk two or three eye-openers and a cup of black coffee and dashed into the street, catching a cab on the fly, as it were. He arrived at Babe’s room before the Bearcat had returned.

Babe had not yet started to get dressed. She was surprised at his visit, not knowing the import of it.

“Well, kid,” Joe said with a broad grin, “accept me best wishes. You sure are a smart broad.”

Babe’s eyes widened.

“What do you mean?”

“Why, I mean, marryin’ a guy like the Bearcat.”

“We ain’t married.”

“I know that,” said Joe. “But the Bearcat just called me up and says we’re hoppin’ over to Jersey for you two to get tied. I’m standin’ up for ya.”

Babe stood still, looking at Joe. Now she knew what the Bearcat was driving at with his, “Do you love me, or don’t you love me?” stuff. She hadn’t quite figured on marrying him. But—why not? She liked him a lot, and besides he was in the money and would be in plenty more when he knocked off the champion.

“Well, Joe,” she said. “We was goin’ to keep it a secret. But as long as the Bearcat told you, I might as well admit it. Yes, we’re gettin’ married.”

“Babe,” said Joe, “you’re walkin’ right into a mess of dough. An’ look at the publicity.”

“Yeah,” said Babe, “if Charlie don’t try to ruin everything.”

“Well, I guess it will hit Charlie kind of hard. But, what the hell, you’ll be married. He ain’t got no comeback. An’ he’s been plannin’ too long for the championship fight to kick up a fuss now.”

Babe began dressing. Her nerves had always been the best, but now with the prospect of immediate marriage staring her in the face, she felt a bit shaky inside.

The Bearcat came bounding into the room, his face as red and glowing as a harvest moon.