"You can threaten in safety, fellow," said young Harkaway, turning and
facing their old enemy, "since you have so many backers to protect
you."

Hunston grew livid.

"You wretched spawn of a hated race," he ejaculated between his teeth,
"do you dare speak to me?"

"There is not much daring required," retorted Jack, boldly.

The words were barely uttered when Hunston dealt the boy a buffet which
nearly sent him to the earth; but young Jack was pretty prompt in
returning it.

This was a kind of debt which the Harkaways were not long in
acquitting.

Quick as lightning recovering himself, he turned and leapt upon
Hunston, and taking him unexpectedly, he toppled him over and fell upon
him, clutching him by the throat.

"Now I'll show you what it is to lay your dirty ringers on a Harkaway,"
exclaimed the boy, glaring into the other's face.

"Let go, or--"

"My father trounced you before he was my age" cried the boy excitedly,
"and now I'll finish you that you--"