CHAPTER X

I am engaged to appear at Madrid. Something about my wonderful game-cock. Cock-fighting in London in the ’eighties! The secret of an Endell Street cellar. How I obtained the bird. A match between myself and the game-cock. An Argyle Street show which took the town. A trying journey to Madrid. The trials of Spanish etiquette. Am invited by Royalty to a bull-fight. The singing donkey creates a furore. Also the game-cock “turn.” My _gallio_ challenged by a Spanish champion. The fight comes off. The Spaniard defeated. The Spanish game-cock fanciers anxious to secure my bird. I adopt precautions for his safety. Difficulties in the way of returning home. I succeed by a ruse in escaping.