"I can defend myself, and more, if I am called upon to do it."
The 'longshoreman leered at Robert for a moment.
"Yer too soft," he sneered, and aimed a blow for Robert's head.
As quick as a flash our hero ducked, and hit out in return. The blow caught the tippler on the chin, and made him stagger up against the saloon window.
"Now I guess you'll leave me alone," remarked the boy. And then he walked on, but kept glancing behind him, to be prepared for another attack.
"Phew, he's a fighter, Mike," said the second man.
"Dat's wot he is," grumbled Mike, rubbing his chin, where the blow had landed. "He must be wot da call a scientific boxer, hey?"
"Are yer goin' ter drop him?"
"Wot shall I do?"
"Make him treat or lick him."