Before the glow in Joe’s eyes, Fleming retreated a pace or two, but as he caught sight of a policeman sauntering up toward them, his courage revived.
“I’ll do nothing of the kind,” he snarled.
“You will if you value that precious skin of yours. I’ve given you fair warning, and you’ll find that I keep my word.”
By this time the officer had come up close to them, and Fleming, immensely relieved, turned to him as an ally.
“Officer, this man has been threatening me with personal violence,” he complained.
The policeman sized him up quizzically. Then he looked at Joe and his face lighted up.
“Good evening, Mr. Matson. That was a great game you pitched yesterday,” he ejaculated in warm admiration.
“I tell you he threatened me,” repeated Fleming, loudly.
The officer smiled inquiringly at Joe.
“Just a trifling personal matter,” Joe explained quietly. “He insulted me and I called him down.”