“Where’s your book?” the man said abruptly, in a high, angry voice.
“That ain’t no way to ask for it,” Rio said slowly.
The sailors’ delegate swore.
“Break out that god-damned union book!”
“You’ll find it under this,” said Rio, rubbing his fist.
“Oh! That’s it!” said the delegate, coming closer, unconscious that his lips were still moving.
“Sure,” continued Rio. “A chink in the Celebes told me wisdom came with lost teeth.”
“Get wise then!” yelled the delegate, and swung hard.
Rio ducked, but the blow caught him across the jaw and a little blood ran down his neck. For an instant, his face was the outlawed Baptist’s.