His hand did not get within a foot of the coveted prize.
His intended victim had been expecting just such a move.
As the tough leaned forward he caught the other’s right square on the throat, and went down to the floor like a log.
The mechanic went on eating his lunch.
But the affair was not to be allowed to pass off so quietly.
The fallen man’s companion, Nixon, and three or four waiters made for the seeming mechanic, and in a moment all was confusion.
The young fellow put up a hot fight, and the chophouse people were sent tumbling around on the floor in great shape.
Nick watched the battle curiously for a moment, and then sprang to his feet with an exclamation of anger.
There were five to one, and yet the waiters were arming themselves with clubs and meat cleavers.
The detective reached the scene just in time.