But Hal merely opened his eyes the wider, smiling back with a confidence in himself that maddened the brute.
With a snarl like a panther's Hinkey crouched over the young sergeant, holding his hand high before striking.
CHAPTER XXII
THE NAVY HEARD FROM
LOOKING up at that hand Hal Overton saw a spot of blood appear suddenly in the middle of the palm.
In the same moment there came the sharp crack of a rifle.
The blow never descended on Overton's upturned face.
Instead, Hinkey uttered a startled yell, tottered to his feet, then threw himself over on his face.