clenched together. He had listened in silence to Jim's tirade, and was
only waiting an opportunity to explain how the old man and the girl
happened to be at his place. But this pointed reference to him was
more than he could endure.

"What do you mean by that statement?" he asked, taking a quick step
forward. "Please explain yourself."

"There's nothin' to explain," and Jim gave a coarse laugh. "The
neighbours will do all the explainin' that is necessary."

"No, that's not the thing. You made an insinuation, and it's up to you
to explain before you leave. I have nothing to do with the neighbours;
it's you I am dealing with now. Yon have insulted this feeble old man,
and uttered words in reference to me and this girl. I want to know
what you mean."

"I don't have to explain anything," Jim retorted. "You mind yer own
business, and go to ----"

The oath had hardly left his lips ere Jasper with one lightning blow
hit him squarely between the eyes. Jim reeled back, and then with a
frightful oath leaped forward. But he was powerless before Jasper's
superior training and soon he was sprawling upon the ground while his
opponent stood bending over him.

"Had enough, eh?" Jasper asked. "If you want some more, get up. I
haven't had half enough yet."

"Leave me alone," Jim mumbled. "You'll pay up for this. I'll fix ye."