Suddenly a second shower of coal rained over Steve Rush from the shovel of the man Smith.
Steve turned sharply, fixing his eyes on Jarvis. The latter nodded, meaning that Smith had thrown the coal deliberately.
"That's the time you did it on purpose, Mister man," said Steve in his usual calm voice.
"Well, supposing I did? What you going to do about it?"
"This!"
Whack!
The Iron Boy's fist smote the stoker a powerful blow in the face. Smith toppled over against the hot boiler. Rush saw at once that the fellow would be seriously burned. Leaping forward he dragged the man away, dropping him on the coal heap.
For the moment the stokers were so amazed at the exhibition of strength and skill on the part of Steve Rush that they could do no more than gape and gaze.
The knocked-out stoker struggled to his feet. His eyes were bloodshot and his face distorted with passion.
"I would suggest that we put off our dispute until we have nothing else to do," suggested Steve. "You mustn't forget that we are on duty now, and the captain will discipline us if we have trouble here."