That its attractions were
irresistible is evident from the difficulty experienced in
suppressing the practice. Down to a very recent date cock-
fighting was carried on in secret,--the police now and then
breaking into the secret pits, dispersing and chasing a motley
crew of noblemen, gentlemen, and 'the scum of rascaldom.'
The practice is very far from having died out; mains are still
fought in various parts of the country; but of course the
greatest precautions are taken to insure secrecy and to prevent
the interference of the police.
In connection with cock-fighting I remember a horrible incident
that occurred in the West Indies. A gentleman who was
passionately fond of the sport, and prided himself on the
victories of his cocks, had the misfortune to see one of his
birds so terribly wounded in the first onset that, although not
killed, it was impossible for it to continue the fight. His rage
at the mishap knew no bounds, and he vented it madly on the poor
creature. He roasted it alive--standing by and hearing its
piteous cries. In the midst of the horrible torture the wretched
man became so excited that a fit of apoplexy supervened, and he
positively expired before the poor bird at the fire!
CHAPTER XII.
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