"Are you going to let yourself be bluffed by a fellow of his size?" taunted Murgatroyd, taking another tack.
"No words from you," growled Spearman.
Slim undoubtedly felt that it was up to him to let the foreman and Hen know what he was good for. He had a natural delicacy about using a weapon against an unarmed youth, so he made the mistake of thinking he could eliminate the barrier with his hands.
"Side-step!" he commanded.
Matt held his ground.
"Waal, if ye won't, then take that."
Slim swung his fist. What happened, then, must have astonished him exceedingly.
His fist clove the empty air, and before he could recover his poise he was struck a blow that heaved him over against Hen, and toppled both of them against the wall.
"Jumpin' jee-mimy!" stuttered Slim, rubbing his chin. "He hits like the kick of a mule—an' it was about as quick."
"Oh, blazes!" growled Spearman, in disgust. "Hen, you help. If the two o' ye ain't enough, I'll join in."