"Listen to me, Jasniff," returned Dave, still holding the squirming student. "I don't want to fight, but if you attack me, I'll not only defend myself, but I'll give you the worst thrashing you ever had in your life. I understand you thoroughly. You are not only a bully but worse. Why Dr. Clay allows you to remain here I don't know. I want you to understand once for all you can't bulldoze me."
"That's the talk!" said Shadow, who had walked up.
"Make him keep his distance, Dave," added Buster, who was with the youth who loved to tell stories.
"Bulldoze you?" stormed Nick Jasniff. "I'll show you what I'll do—you poorhouse rat! I'll make mincemeat of you!"
So speaking, he tore himself loose from Dave and backed away a few steps. Then, with clenched fists, he rushed in and aimed a heavy blow at Dave's face.
The fist struck Dave's ear, for the latter did what he could to dodge. Then came another blow on the shoulder and one on the chin, all delivered with lightning-like rapidity. Nick Jasniff was a boxer, and could use his fists better than he could learn his lessons.
"Good!" shouted Gus Plum, gleefully. "That's the way to do it, Nick!"
"Knock him out!" added Nat Poole, but keeping safely in the background.
Dave backed away a step or two and again Jasniff came at him, hitting him a light blow in the arm. Then the boxer struck out again for Dave's face.