“Because under the circumstances it seemed the proper thing to do.”
“Is it the proper thing to interfere in an affair that doesn’t concern you?”
“Her friends are my friends.”
“Who the devil are you? I’ve never met you. If it were not for these fellows there I’d thrash you.”
“These fellows” were two firemen who had appeared from the shadow. Probably they had been there all the time but had not judged the moment opportune to intervene. Hugh laughed.
“We needn’t let that stand in our way. If there’s thrashing to be done, I expect we can find lots of quiet places down on the beach.”
“I would be a fool to do that. I don’t know who you are. You may be a crook for all I know.”
“I may be. You don’t know me. But I know you for a rotter and a cad.”
Paul Vulning’s face grew purple in its fury. Throwing discretion to the winds, he rushed and swung a heavy blow. The two firemen valiantly tried to come between them, and one of them received the vicious swing intended for Hugh. Angered, he too struck out. There threatened to be a general mix-up, when a voice, suave but edged with authority, made them all turn.
“Gentlemen, gentlemen, what’s this about? Do you want to be arrested?”