“Go ahead,” he said, and drew back into the circle; and before Clarence had caught the full significance of these words, a blow planted full below his jaw sent him to the earth. He was up at once, and, on careful guard, warded off several more vicious attacks and waited for an opening. It came presently and left Ezra’s left eye in a state which promised to develop presently into deep mourning.
At this the gypsy lad lost control of himself and proceeded to strike out furiously and wildly. It was easy for Clarence, a trained boxer and agile as a cat, to ward off these blows; easy for him, now and then, to reach his adversary with what are known in sporting circles as love-taps. In a few minutes, Ezra was breathing heavily. Suddenly the gypsy changed his tactics; he tried to catch Clarence in his arms and bear him to the ground. Clarence, not without difficulty, succeeded in breaking away, and, once free, changed his tactics, too. Springing forward, he literally rained blows upon the winded foe. Nose, eyes, mouth, jaw, all received vigorous attention, till Ezra, unable to stand the punishment, jumped back and averted his head.
“Did you say nuff?” asked Clarence, pausing, and standing still in the center of the ring.
For answer, Ezra made a flying leap at his foe, determined by sheer weight and momentum to bring Clarence to defeat. The young knight was quick to adjust himself. Ezra’s head, intended to ram the lad’s chest, found itself noosed within Clarence’s strong right arm. The catch nearly brought the young knight to the earth; but surefootedness won out, and Ezra was in chancery.
“Say ’nuff,” commanded Clarence, with a hug and a punch that were practically simultaneous.
Pete spoke sharply to Ezra.
“’Nuff,” said the gypsy boy.
“All right,” said Clarence, and releasing his hold left Ezra free and evidently much the worse for the short encounter.
The gypsies had been silent throughout the brisk combat. It was impossible to tell from their faces on which side their sympathies lay.
“Boy,” said Ben, slipping into the ring, “I’d advise you to shake hands with Ezra.”