He was the real White Hope. He
advised Kirk to direct William's education on the lines which would
insure his being, when the time was ripe, undisputed heavy-weight
champion of the world. To Steve life outside the ring was a poor
affair, practically barren of prizes for the ambitious.
Mrs. Lora Delane Porter, eyeing William's brow, of which there was
plenty, he being at this time extremely short of hair, predicted a less
robust and more intellectual future for him. Something more on the
lines of president of some great university or ambassador at some
important court struck her as his logical sphere.
Kirk's view was that he should combine both careers and be an
ambassador who took a few weeks off every now and then in order to
defend his champion's belt. In his spare time he might paint a picture
or two.
Ruth hesitated between the army, the navy, the bar, and business. But
every one was agreed that William was to be something special.
This remarkable child had a keen sense of humour. Thus he seldom began
to cry in his best vein till the small hours of the morning; and on
these occasions he would almost invariably begin again after he had
been officially pronounced to be asleep. His sudden grab at the hair of
any adult who happened to come within reach was very droll, too.
As to his other characteristics, he was of rather an imperious nature.
Pages:
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131