"Not if I were present," remarked the other, coolly.

Green was on his feet in a moment, and I saw, from the flash of
his eyes, that he was a man of evil passions. Moving a pace or two
in the direction of the other, he said sharply.

"What is that, sir?"

The individual against whom his anger was so suddenly aroused was
dressed plainly, and had the appearance of a working man. He was
stout and muscular.

"I presume you heard my words. They were spoken distinctly," he
replied, not moving from where he sat, nor seeming to be in the
least disturbed. But there was a cool defiance in the tones of his
voice and in the steady look of his eyes.

"You're an impertinent fellow, and I'm half tempted to chastise
you."

Green had scarcely finished the sentence, ere he was lying full
length upon the floor. The other had sprung upon him like a tiger,
and with one blow from his heavy fist, struck him down as if he
had been a child. For a moment or two, Green lay stunned and
bewildered--then, starting up with a savage cry, that sounded more
bestial than human, he drew a long knife from a concealed sheath,
and attempted to stab his assailant, but the murderous purpose was
not accomplished, for the other man, who had superior strength and
coolness, saw the design, and with a well directed blow almost
broke the arm of Green, causing the knife to leave his hand and