just in time to see me give a good friend of yours a little lesson in
politeness. Here's Owen saying how he thinks it good taste to step in
between a fellow and his best girl. I'm meaning to knock a different
notion into his silly head. Sometimes you have to pound things into
some people, you understand."

"I'd advise you to try nothing of the sort, Nick," said Hugh, steadily.

At that the other laughed aloud.

"Why, you don't mean to tell me you'd stick in your little oar, Hugh,
and try to teach me a few tricks, do you? I could put you on your back
with one hand behind me. Fellers that are tied to their mother's apron
strings ain't apt to know a heap about how to take care of themselves
in a stand-up fight. Mebbe now you're meaning all of you to pick on
me? Well, I've got a few nervy pals hangin' around who'd like nothing
better than to have you try that game."

Owen had not attempted to escape while Nick's attention was thus taken
up with the newcomers, though possibly he might have been forgiven had
he done so, considering all the conditions. But evidently Owen had
plenty of nerve, even though he might be lacking in brawn equal to the
bully's larger figure.

Nick now turned again upon the other. His gestures became even more
offensive, as though despite Hugh's grave warning, he meant to attack
Owen, come what might, and give him the drubbing which according to
his, Nick's light, was long overdue.

Suddenly, without the least warning, his fist shot out. Owen