"I'll break you in pieces, you —— —— —— you," Williams spluttered with rage.
"Drop that talk and fight," challenged McCarthy, stepping into a fighting attitude.
Just then McCarthy received help from an unexpected source. Swanson, the giant of the team, broke through the circle of players that had formed in expectation of seeing a fight.
"You're all right, Bo," he roared, throwing his huge arm around the shoulders of the recruit. "You're perfectly all right, but he won't fight you."
"I'll smash"——
"Naw, you won't, Adonis," said the giant, contemptuously. "I think he can lick you, anyhow, but you had it coming. Now kick his other shin, and after that Adonis will apologize."
The suggestion raised a laugh, and eased the situation. The battle light in McCarthy's face changed to a smile.
"I'll forego the kick," he said. "I had to make good after what I told you in the hotel. I'm perfectly willing to let it drop and be friends."
He extended his hand frankly, but Williams, still scowling, did not take it.
"Never mind the being friends part of it," he said. "But if you don't want trouble, just lay away from me after this."