"If the sergeant came at ye once wid his fists, ye'd know better—as soon as ye knew anything," jeered Private Kelly.
"The sarge is a scrapper—few like him in 'ours' when he turns himself loose," supplemented Slosson.
"Then let go of me, and let the cur turn himself loose," pleaded Hinkey, fighting furiously with his captors. "Let him show me if he dares."
Into such a passion was he working himself that Hinkey seemed likely to tear himself away from the two soldiers who sought to restrain him.
But Hal had sense enough to keep his own hands out of the affair.
"Meade, get in there and help," he directed.
Then, with Hinkey growing rapidly angrier and putting forth more strength, there was battle royal.
When it was over Hinkey had a bleeding nose, a cut lip, one eye closed and his uniform all but torn from him.
But he panted and surrendered, at last—a prisoner.
"What's this all about, Sergeant Overton?" demanded First Sergeant Gray, hastening to the spot.