The next instant our hero's fist shot out and the brute staggered and fell to the ground.
[CHAPTER XXI.]
DIVERSE MATTERS.
The blow Van had given the Utopian was such a heavy one that the fellow was dazed for a few seconds, and staggered about blindly after he had risen to his feet.
The girl had promptly flown to Van for protection, saying in fair English as he did so:
"Save me from that man! He is a villain, and I hate him."
"All right, miss," replied our hero. "I'll guarantee he shan't harm you while I am around."
Meanwhile the man, who was a big, burly fellow, had recovered himself and now stood glaring at Van like an enraged lion.
He drew a long knife from beneath the coatlike garment he wore, and made a move toward the boy.