These two Howard shorts feature sailor Steve Costigan in more violent encounters.

“Winner Take All” finds Steve and a friend doing a lady a service followed by the usual fight “almost to the death”.

The reason for this boxing match is to win $36.50 so that Steve and friend can invest it, but when things sound too good to be true, you know there’s a catch somewhere.

Quite liked this one, though not the best Steve story.

“Waterfront Fists” proved a more enjoyable read. It’s of a similar nature to the other story, with similar outcomes, though this tale has a little more scope.

It features some quality humour and, as with the all stories by this great author, the fight scenes are vividly portrayed. ( )