Fighting Snub Reilly
The narrative follows a boxer, Snub Reilly, who is preparing for a championship fight against Curly Boyd. Just before the match, he receives a challenge from an enigmatic figure known only as "An Unknown," who offers a substantial wager for a future fight. Snub, confident in his abilities, accepts the challenge without hesitation. The fight unfolds with Snub demonstrating his strategic prowess, ultimately defeating Boyd in a decisive manner. His victory elevates him to national hero status, capturing the public's imagination. Meanwhile, the challenge from "An Unknown" adds intrigue, as it hints at a significant confrontation ahead. In a parallel storyline, Barry Tearle, a schoolmaster at Rindle School, becomes embroiled in the unfolding drama. He is secretly the challenger, having adopted the persona of "An Unknown" to fight Snub. Barry's motivations stem from a desire to secure financial stability for his future, having invested his savings into the challenge. His character is further complicated by his feelings for Vera Shaw, the headmaster's daughter, who is unaware of his dual identity. As the story progresses, Barry's secret is threatened by John Sellinger, a wealthy patron of the school who suspects Barry's involvement. Sellinger embarks on a campaign to uncover the truth, leading to a series of investigations that heighten the tension. He believes Barry is misappropriating school funds to finance his boxing ambitions, which adds a layer of moral conflict to the narrative. The climax occurs during the highly anticipated fight between Snub and Barry. Vera, intrigued and concerned, attends the match, unaware of Barry's true identity. As the fight unfolds, she grapples with her emotions, torn between her admiration for Snub and her feelings for Barry. The fight is intense, showcasing Barry's skills as he faces off against Snub, who is a seasoned champion. In a dramatic twist, Vera learns that the "Unknown" is indeed Barry, leading to a moment of revelation and emotional turmoil. The fight concludes with Barry's victory, but the aftermath reveals the complexities of his actions and the implications for his future. He confesses to Dr. Shaw that he has fought his last fight, having achieved his financial goals through boxing. The story culminates in a resolution where Barry's dual life is exposed, but he is ultimately forgiven by Vera, who expresses her support and understanding. The narrative explores themes of identity, ambition, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in pursuit of their dreams, set against the backdrop of the boxing world and the societal expectations of the time.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1926 · Genre: Sports Fiction, Drama, Mystery · 8,646 words
First lines
Ten minutes before Snub Reilly left his dressing-room a messenger delivered a letter. His seconds and his manager protested against his reading anything which might well be disturbing at such a critical moment, for the little man was fighting for his title, and Curly Boyd, the aspirant to championship honors, had knocked out four successive opponents before he claimed his right to a meeting with the World Champion.
"Let me see it," said Snub, and he was something of an autocrat. The letter was typewritten and was signed by two reputable men whose names were honored in the sporting world.
What this Textopian page supports
Fighting Snub Reilly is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1926 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edgar Wallace
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Sports Fiction, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
- Length: 8,646 words
- Structure: 1 section, 255 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Fighting Snub Reilly by Edgar Wallace
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Fighting Snub Reilly?
- How does this novel by Edgar Wallace fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Sports Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Sports Fiction — The central plot revolves around boxing and the challenges faced by the protagonist, Snub Reilly, in the ring.
- Drama — The story explores personal conflicts, relationships, and emotional stakes surrounding the characters, particularly Vera Shaw and Barry Tearle.
- Mystery — The identity of 'An Unknown' and the intrigue surrounding the challenge add a layer of mystery to the narrative.
- Romance — The relationship dynamics between Barry Tearle and Vera Shaw provide a romantic subplot that influences the main storyline.
Tags
mystery · crime · thriller · detective · suspense · adventure · action · investigation · plot twist · protagonist · antagonist · urban setting