Robert E. Howard’s writings
WritingPermanent catalogue Work

The Fightin'est Pair

2textual states12Characters
Genre
Boxing

Introduction

The Fightin’est Pair is a Sailor Steve Costigan story featuring his bulldog Mike. It was sent to Fiction House and published in Action Stories in November 1931 as Breed of Battle. It was reprinted in the spring 1942 issue under the title Samson Had a Soft Spot and the byline Mark Adam.

Summary spoilers

The story kicks off with Porkey Straus informing Steve about Joe Ritchie, a fellow sailor who has docked in Singapore with his formidable brindle bull terrier, Terror, the pit champion of the Asiatics. A suggestion is made for Mike to fight Terror, which Steve vehemently declines, condemning dog fighting for money as cruel. An offer to buy Mike for a substantial sum is then made by Philip D’Arcy, a well-known adventurer and gentleman, which Steve refuses, further establishing the deep bond between him and Mike.

The plot thickens when Steve receives a deceitful letter, supposedly from an admirer, leading him into an ambush that results in Mike's kidnapping. In his fury, Steve mistakenly accuses D'Arcy of the theft, only to later learn that the real culprits are Johnnie Blinn, a barkeeper, and Grieson (also known as "Limey"), who have stolen Mike to fight against Terror in a secret dog-fighting arena owned by Fritz Steinmann.

The climax of the story unfolds in a chaotic blend of action and humor as Steve, upon discovering Mike’s location, embarks on a frenzied rescue mission. He crashes through Steinmann's arena, knocking out anyone in his path, to save Mike from the brutal fight. In a dramatic showdown within the pit, Steve interrupts the fight, rescuing both Mike and Terror from further harm. Through Grieson's confession, Steve learns of Blinn's involvement in the scheme.

In an unexpected turn of events, D'Arcy arrives at the scene, not to fight Steve, but to reconcile, having been moved by Steve's unyielding loyalty to Mike. The two men make peace, and D'Arcy offers his assistance in tending to Mike's wounds.

The story concludes with Steve and D'Arcy addressing the aftermath of a humorous misunderstanding, wherein Steve's poorly worded poster offering a reward for Mike's return led to a comical influx of locals attempting to sell their dogs to him.

Textual states

Shown in a practical developmental order where possible: synopsis/outline, numbered drafts, submission states, then published or posthumous states. This display order does not itself assert exact chronology or textual authority.

Characters in this Work

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Publication appearances