Teddy was bewildered for an instant, as Skip had expected, and he did not recover his self-possession until Master Jellison had struck him once more, this time without serious effect, since the blow, being a hasty one, glanced from the boy's shoulder.
It sufficed, however, to throw Teddy's stock of papers into the mud of the street, thereby ruining several so that they would not sell to fastidious customers; and this, more than the injury received, aroused Teddy's ire.
The boy from Saranac may have been ignorant concerning the customs of the city, but he was thoroughly well aware that it was necessary to defend himself; and, an instant later, Skip found he had quite as much on hand as he could attend to properly.
Teddy, giving no heed to his wares, struck out with more strength than science, and forced his adversary to beat a swift retreat.
"Now you've got it!" Teenie shrieked, as if delighted that Skip had met an opponent who was a match for him.
But Skip paid no heed to Teenie, and, raising his fists as an invitation to Teddy to "come on," awaited the conclusion of the battle, confident as to who would be the victor.
Teddy had no idea of holding back; for this attack was but the beginning of a series which was intended to drive him out of business, and it was necessary it should be repulsed if he wished to earn his livelihood by the sale of newspapers.
Therefore he advanced boldly, and aimed what was intended for a stinging blow at his antagonist's face; but it was met by Skip's arm, and, before Teddy could raise his hand again, Teenie squeaked loudly and shrilly enough to have been heard at the post-office:
"Cops! Hi, fellers, here's de cops!"