With a tiger-like bound the murderous brute leapt on the flying
trap. At the shock of the great body the colt was thrown violently
on his side; Kirby was tossed over the hedge; and Red Wull
pinned beneath the debris.

M'Adam had time to rush up and save a tragedy.

"I've a mind to knife ye, Kirby," he panted, as he bandaged the
smith's broken head.

After that you may be sure the Dalesmen preferred to swallow
insults rather than to risk their lives; and their impotence only
served to fan their hatred to white heat.

The working methods of the antagonists were as contrasted as their
appearances. In a word, the one compelled where the other coaxed.

His enemies said the Tailless Tyke was rough; not even Tammas
denied he was ready. His brain was as big as his body, and he used
them both to some purpose. "As quick as a cat, with the heart of a
lion and the temper of Nick's self," was Parson Leggy's description.

What determination could effect, that could Red Wall; but
achievement by inaction--supremest of all strategies--was not for
him. In matters of the subtlest handling, where to act anything
except indifference was to lose, with sheep restless, fearful
forebodings hymned to them by the wind, panic hovering unseen
above them, when an ill-considered movement spelt
catastrophe--then was Owd Bob o' Kenmuir incomparable.