Веснянки

           FrecklescouldnotstrikewithhalfWessner’sforce,buthecouldlandthreeblowstotheDutchman’sone.Itwasherethattheboy’sdaysofalertwatchingontheline,theperpetualswingingoftheheavycudgel,andtheenduranceofallweatherstoodhimingoodstead;forhewastough,andagile.Heskipped,ducked,anddodged.Forthefirstfiveminutesheenduredfearfulpunishment.ThenWessner’sbreathcommencedtowhistlebetweenhisteeth,whenFrecklesonlyhadbegunfighting.Hesprangbackwithshrilllaughter.

           “Begolly!andwillyourhonorbewhistlingthehornpipeformetobedancingof?”hecried.

           SPANG!wenthisfistintoWessner’sface,andhewaspasthimintotheswale.

           “Andwouldyoubepleasedtotuneupalittlelivelier?”hegasped,andclippedhisearashesprangback.Wessnerlungedathiminblindfury.Freckles,seeinganopening,forgotthelawsofagentleman’sgameanddrovethetoeofhisheavywading-bootinWessner’smiddleuntilhedoubledandfellheavily.InaflashFreckleswasonhim.ForatimeMcLeancouldnotseewhatwashappening.“Go!Gotohimnow!”hecommandedhimself,butsointensewashisdesiretoseetheboywinalonethathedidnotstir.

           AtlastFrecklessprangupandbackedaway.“Time!”heyelledasafury.“Begettingup,Mr.Wessner,anddon’tbeafraidofhurtingme.I’llletyouthrowinanextrahandandlickyoutomecomplatesatisfactionallthesame.