Alfred retrieves the euphoria of his morning run as he bounces up the “friendly” stairs leading to Donatelli’s Gym. He tries to stifle his grin before entering, because he wants to look businesslike and tough when he greets the manager for his first day of training. But when he opens the door this time, he is greeted not by Donatelli but by a sight that reminds him of Reverend Price’s description of hell.
The gym appears to be in chaos. Young men of several races and all sizes are participating in activities completely foreign to Alfred. Some perform gyrations that resemble jacks-in-the-box. Others seem to be boxing their own images in mirrors. A very rotund person flies past, spraying him with sweat “like a lawn sprinkler.” Alfred is totally unprepared. He doesn’t even have proper gear and must work out in his street clothes. Donatelli is absent, preparing a fighter for an appearance at Madison Square Garden that night. Dr. Corey, the dentist from the second floor of the building, finally greets him in a friendly manner. Still, most of the crowd ignores him. An arrogant, well-built fighter called “Red” treats him rudely. Red is eventually expelled by Bud Martin, Mr. Donatelli’s cagey old assistant.
