Before Gene could get out of the way or lift his hand, Hodge seized him by the nose, which he gave a pull that brought a cry of pain from the fellow’s lips.
Then the two were thrust apart. Gene had clasped his nose with both hands. Beneath his feet his cigarette spluttered sparks and went out. Somebody laughed beyond an open window.
“Curse you!” hoarsely breathed Skelding. “You shall pay for this!”
“With pleasure,” said Bart grimly.
“Now!”
“The sooner the better!”
“Follow me.”
“Lead on.”
Some of the others tried to interfere and prevent the fight for the time, but such a thing could not be averted. They left the piazza and moved away from the house toward the lake. Bart did not seek the companionship of friends. The men whom Gene had been speaking to thus lightly about Elsie went along.