Mr. Wright began to understand, and his eye twinkled. "Who's to prevent it, now?"
"I will, if you w-won't listen to reason. You are killing her, between you: you don't know w-what wickedness you're doing. She's—she's an angel."
"Bravo, my lad! So she is, every inch of her." The plumber held out his hand.
Johnny drew his away indignantly and began to choke again.
"She's not for you. It'll all come right if you stay away.
P-promise me you'll stay away!
"There I don't agree with you."
"C-can you fight?"
"A bit. Here, keep on your coat, boy, and don't be a fool.
Hands off, you young dolt!"
There was barely room on the causeway for two to pass. As Mr. Wright thrust by, Johnny snatched furiously at his arm and with just enough force to slew him round. Letting go, he struck for his face.
The plumber had no wish to hurt the lad. Being a quick man with his fists, he parried the blow easily enough.
"No more of this!" he shouted, and as Johnny leapt again, hurled him off with a backward sweep of his wrist.