“Who the Devil is go’n’ to stop it?” growled Tarbox.
“I am. Do you step back now, and let some one come out who can talk like a gentleman!”
“I’m damned if I stir till I’ve had my say out,” says Bill, shaking himself up and looking dangerous.
“Go back!”
Wade moved close to him, also looking dangerous.
“Don’t tech me!” Bill threatened, squaring off.
He was not quick enough. Wade knocked him down flat on a heap of moulding-sand. The hat in mourning for Poole found its place in a puddle.
Bill did not like the new Emperor’s method of compelling kotou. Round One of the mill had not given him enough.
He jumped up from his soft bed and made a vicious rush at Wade. But he was damaged by evil courses. He was fighting against law and order, on the side of wrong and bad manners.
The same fist met him again, and heavier.