Johnson Boller, be it admitted, intended to beat up David Prentiss; with the youngster's good as his shallow pretext, he meant to bruise David's young anatomy—and when this bruising was over to contrive another occasion and bruise it further—and after that to discover additional excuses and continue the bruising—until David Prentiss should flee the flat in sheer terror.
Hence, he smiled again and said:
"Come, kid! Come! Stand up or I'll soak you right there!"
"Johnson!" Anthony said sharply.
"Like that!" said Johnson Boller, jabbing suddenly before the protest could take form.
And now Anthony cried aloud, for the boy had toppled over backward—and almost immediately Anthony's teeth shut with a click. Because young David, eyes flashing, had bounced up again and was on his feet. One of his small fists, tight shut, had whisked out and met Johnson Boller's countenance with a loud crack.
And Mr. Boller, expelling his breath with an amazed hiss, had lost his balance and was sitting on the floor!