He caught Hal by the coat collar. The youth struggled, and then struck out with all force.
The blow landed on Hardwick's chin, and knocked his head back with such force that for the instant he let slip his grasp and Hal was free.
But before the plucky youth could open the door the man had him fast again, and was punching him with all his might.
"I'll teach you a lesson!" he cried. "Take that! and that! You are smart, but you are not smart enough for me!"
"Let go!" cried Hal.
But Hardwick continued to pound him. Then, in sheer desperation, Hal closed in and fought tooth and nail, as if his very life depended on it.
Hardwick was a heavy-built man, but he was no match for the youth, who all his life had been used to hard labor, and whose muscles, consequently, were like steel. He struck Hal many times, but the youth squirmed and twisted, and suddenly hit him a crack between the eyes that made him see stars.
"Oh!" he howled, and dropped back, while Hal, taking advantage of this stroke of good luck, made another dash for the front door.
He opened the door, and was half-way out when Hardwick, realizing what escape meant, leaped forward and caught him by the coat.
"Let go!" cried Hal, and with a jerk he tore away and started up the steps leading to the street.