Circus Fists

Introduction

“Circus Fists” is a dynamic story featuring Steve Costigan, a tough, brawling sailor with a penchant for finding trouble and adventure, both at sea and ashore.

It was sent to Fiction House on July 22, 1931, accepted, and later published in Fight Stories in December 1931. Howard earned $70.00 for the story.

The story is a testament to Steve Costigan’s resilience, loyalty, and unmatched fighting spirit, set against the vibrant and chaotic backdrop of circus life and the unforgiving sea.

Summary

The story unfolds with Steve and his faithful bulldog, Mike, on land after a severe disagreement with the captain of the Sea Girl, leading to Steve being ousted from the ship. Seeking entertainment, Steve stumbles upon Flash Larney’s Gigantic Circus and Animal Show, where he is drawn to a challenge—fighting in the ring for prize money against the purported West Coast champion, Battling Bingo. Steve’s victory lands him a job as the circus’s new star attraction, tasked with taking on all comers for a cash prize.

As the circus travels, Steve becomes a crowd favorite, known for his unbeatable prowess in the ring, which he attributes to his rugged life at sea and his extraordinary condition. His tenure with the circus is marked by a series of fights against a wide array of challengers, culminating in a match against a surprise opponent in the mining town of Ironville. This opponent turns out to be none other than Bill Cairn, the Ironville Blacksmith, a figure revealed to be a formidable heavyweight boxer rather than a local craftsman. The match is a brutal affair, with Steve enduring a tremendous beating but persistently rising to continue the fight, driven by his indomitable will and the deceit played upon him.

The tale reaches its climax amidst a chaotic circus fire, with animals escaping and panic spreading. Steve, in the midst of defending himself and the audience from the dangerous animals, is reunited with his former captain, who seeks his help to deal with a new threat aboard the Sea Girl. Despite their past conflict, the captain’s appeal to Steve’s loyalty and pride as a sailor convinces him to return to the sea, leaving behind the circus life for the familiar challenges of the maritime world.

Characters

  • Steve Costigan: The story’s protagonist, a tough sailor with a talent for brawling, who finds himself working as a fighter in a circus after a fallout with his ship’s captain.
  • Mike: Steve’s loyal white bulldog, who accompanies him on his adventures and proves to be a formidable ally.
  • Battling Bingo: The initial champion of the circus’ fighting challenge, easily defeated by Steve, leading to Steve’s employment with the circus.
  • Joe Beemer: The circus barker who introduces Steve to the fighting challenge and becomes a sort of manager to him.
  • Flash Larney: The owner of the Gigantic Circus and Animal Show, who employs Steve after his victory over Battling Bingo.
  • Bill Cairn (The Ironville Blacksmith): Steve’s most formidable opponent, a heavyweight boxer of renown who poses as a local blacksmith for a fight with Steve.
  • Ace Brelen: Bill Cairn’s manager, involved in setting up the deceitful match against Steve.
  • Honest Jim Donovan: The referee chosen by the crowd for the fight against Cairn, known for his dubious integrity.
  • The Old Man (Captain of the Sea Girl): Steve’s former captain, who comes to Steve after the circus fire to ask for his help in dealing with a new bully on their ship.
  • Monagan: Mentioned as a formidable bully aboard the Sea Girl, prompting the captain to seek Steve’s return.
  • Oswald: An old and toothless lion from the circus with whom Mike forms an unlikely friendship.
  • Sultan and Amir: Dangerous animals from the circus that escape during the fire, with Steve and Mike heroically intervening to protect others.
  • The Sea Girl: Steve’s original ship, captained by the Old Man. It symbolizes Steve’s true calling and the life he can’t seem to leave behind, no matter how far ashore his adventures take him. It’s the setting for the beginning and end of the story, encapsulating Steve’s journey full circle—from a sailor to a circus fighter and back to a sailor ready to face new challenges aboard the Sea Girl.

Alternate title:

SLUGGER BAIT.

Published in: