The detective was quite ready for that.
It was true that he wished to take the men alive, and he did not fire, for he had hoped they would be scared into quiet surrender.[{33}]
When the attack came he dropped both weapons to the sidewalk.
Letting drive with his fists, he caught Nat on the chest, and knocked the wind out of him.
But the crook did not fall. He staggered against Jack, who at first was going to give up.
Seeing that the weapons had been dropped, Jack joined in and made a desperate effort for freedom.
He caught his partner and kept him from falling, and then both sailed into the detective.
“Why!” said Nick, with a laugh, “come on, if that’s what you want.”
His arms shot out like flashes of lightning, and every blow landed, but the crooks kept too close for him to give them settlers.
And, after a moment, Jack retreated and drew his revolver.