"I did not go with him. I was hunting."
"Then you admit he went!"
"I didn't admit anything. You are hurting me."
Starbuck's big hand had twisted her wrist painfully. He gave no indication of letting her go.
"She said you're hurting her," Johnny snarled. "Let her go!"
"I'm all right," Diane said.
Starbuck was going to let her go, but Johnny did not wait. He circled Starbuck's arm with his hand and wrenched until the bigger man bellowed and released Diane.
"Good," Johnny said. "I have no fight with you, but—" He had turned to look at Diane when Starbuck's balled fist slammed against the side of his jaw, knocking him down.
He sat there dazed, uncomprehending because he had not seen the blow coming. But Starbuck stood above him, fists clenched, and that was enough to tell him. "I still have no fight with you," Johnny said softly. He thought he could have taken the bigger man and at this moment could think of nothing he would rather do, but Starbuck had already accused Diane of being his accomplice and he did not want to involve the girl further. He hoped Starbuck would be content to boast about this one-punch victory instead.