"What hit me?" he asked in a faint whisper.
"It's all right, old man," said Jack. "You'll be all right in a second."
Slowly the light of comprehension dawned in the Frenchman's eyes. He struggled to his feet, where he stood uncertainly for a few moments, looking at his conqueror.
Jack extended a hand.
"I'm sorry I had to do it," he said, a pleasant smile lighting up his face.
The Frenchman looked at him in silence for a full minute, then, stepping forward, he grasped the outstretched hand.
"What are you," he demanded, grinning, "a prizefighter?"
"No," said Jack, with a laugh, "but I guess I have had better training than you."
"Well," said the Frenchman, "if you ever need anybody to help you out, you can count on me. Maybe some day you will bump up against someone who can best you, but I believe the two of us together can put him down."
"Thanks," laughed Jack, "I'll remember that offer when the time comes."