"Oh, Geoff," groaned the boy, "you've got t' go—here's Bud—"
"Why, then, Spike, tell him to—er—chase himself; I'm busy!" Came the sound of a chair set roughly aside and a shrill cry from Spike: "My God, Bud—don't! Look out, Geoff!"
But, as M'Ginnis came, Ravenslee turned swiftly, ducked the expected blow, and swinging his fist up beneath his assailant's extended arm, smote him hard and true upon the elbow; and Spike, pale and wide of eye, saw that arm fall and dangle helplessly at M'Ginnis' side, while his face was contorted with sharp agony.
"My God, Geoff! What you done t' him?"
"Pins and needles, Spike—that's all. A hoary old trick, but useful now and then. Mr. Flowers isn't so very wide-awake as folks seem to think. You see, it wouldn't have done to knock him out here; he might have upset the table."
"Knock out Bud!" cried Spike, aghast. "But there ain't nobody can lick Bud M'Ginnis!"
"Oh, I don't know, Spike. Anyway, we'll see what can be done—outside! After you, Mr. Flowers! Pray go first, Mr. Flowers! A fellow who would attack a man sitting down isn't to be trusted behind one—so, after you, Mr. Flowers. Oh, we'll wait until you can use your arm, but we'll wait outside. Miss Chesterton's flat is no place for your sort, so—out with you, and quick—d'ye hear?"
M'Ginnis opened his lips to retort, but passion choked him, and snarling unintelligibly, he turned and strode out upon the landing. As they stood fronting each other, very silent and grim and menacing, running feet were heard ascending the stairs, and a slender boy appeared, who, perceiving M'Ginnis, panted out:
"Say, Bud, O'Rourke's been pinched by d' cops! He wants ye t' skin over an' fix it up—"
"O'Rourke pinched?" growled M'Ginnis. "Say you, Larry, what yer givin' me?"