Oh, don’t thank me too soon.”
“Then I won’t. When are the exercises to commence?”
“He takes it cool,” said Nolan.
Oh, it’s only show off,” said Sam. “You’ll see how he’ll wilt down when I get hold of him.”
The two boys stripped off coat and vest and faced each other. Tony was wary and looked into the eyes of his adversary, showing no disposition to begin.
Sam swung heavily with his right. With scarcely an effort, Tony blocked the blow and returned it quick as lightning, striking Sam full in the nose.
Sam was not only maddened but disagreeably surprised, especially when he discovered that blood was trickling from the injured organ. He was still more incensed by the murmur of applause which followed from the crowd of boys.
He breathed an audible curse, and losing all prudence
began to swing at Tony with each fist in rapid succession, with the intention of overpowering him. But unfortunately for him this exposed him to attack, and a couple of heavy blows in his face warned him that this was too dangerous.
Tony stood upright, as cool and collected as at first. He had warded off every blow of his adversary.