Trip! Hal’s feet became entangled in something stretched across the sidewalk.
He plunged, then fell to the sidewalk, measuring his full length there.
More quickly than he could rise, a figure darted out of the doorway.
Across the boy’s body a man hurled himself.
“You’ll fight for it—sure!” vented Hal, gripping the stranger by the throat.
They grappled, struggled, breath coming quick and short.
Hal fought like a tiger. He quickly placed himself on top of his assailant, but could not wrench himself loose.
Pit-patter-pat! Soft sandals struck the sidewalk as the three shadows rushed upon the scene.
Not pausing an instant, they hurled themselves into the melee.
Many hands grappled the boy at once.