The burly ruffian tried to kick him as he had promised, but with his disengaged hand Matt caught his foot, and after dancing about to regain his balance, the man came down heavily across the young auctioneer’s legs.
The force of the fall was so great that Matt cried out shrilly with pain. For the moment he imagined that both of his limbs must be broken.
“Clap your hand over his mouth, Barberry!” cried the burly man, as he struggled to regain his feet. “Confound you, boy, I’ll teach you to throw me!”
He sprang at Matt, but not before the young auctioneer had had a chance to turn over and spring up. Matt realized what was at stake, and knew he must fight his best or the worst would happen.
Before the man could touch him Matt placed Barberry between them. Then he gave the corn doctor a push that sent him staggering up against his companion.
In the meantime, poor Andy was still flat on his back, unable to speak or to move. His assailant was on top of him, and there did not appear to be any immediate relief in sight.
Seeing this, Matt, as soon as he had freed himself, 211 leaped to his partner’s assistance. He caught the ruffian by the shoulders, and with a sharp jerk sent him sprawling flat upon his back on a number of sharp stones.
“Go at them with stones, Andy,” shouted Matt, as he himself stooped to pick up a small rock which lay at his feet. “We ought to show them no mercy!”
“That’s true,” panted his partner as he followed the suggestion by arming himself with several handy missiles. “They are a set of cowards in my opinion.”
“We’ll show you if we are!” cried the fellow who had first attacked Matt. “Come on, Barberry, we must make them prisoners!”