"Bull missed it that time."
Abe Kristin whispered his comment. The two men beside him had nothing to add at the moment. Their eyes were intent for the next development.
Suddenly the fair-haired giant who had missed his attack seemed to disengage himself from the under man's desperate hold. It was impossible to ascertain the means he employed. But he clearly released himself and one hammer fist swung up. It crashed sickeningly down on the upturned face, and a whistling breath escaped the emotional Abe.
"Gee! He's takin' a chance! That ain't the play in a 'rough and tough,'" he muttered.
"Nope. You're right, Abe," Luke Gats agreed without turning. "He's crazy. Gee! It's a chance. But he's maybe rattled. Bull's been fightin' over an hour."
"Here get it!" Tug Burke was pointing with a cant-hook in his excitement. "Get it quick. See? He's—"
The man's excitement found reflection in the whole concourse of onlookers. There was a furious movement in the human body crushed on the ground beneath the man they called Bull. Its knees came up under his adversary's body with a terrific jolt. The purpose of maiming was obvious.
"Gee! I'm glad."
Tug's relief found an echo in the sigh that escaped his companions. The intended victim had promptly swung his body clear and the threatened injury was averted. But his retaliation was instant. His great open hand spread over the man's face, smothering it; and it seemed the sought-for goal had been reached.
"Gouge! Gouge!"