"Since you will have it, then," observed Ralph quietly, "take that for a starter."
The young engineer struck out once—only once, but he had calculated the delivery and effect of the blow to a nicety. There was a thud as his fist landed under the jaw of the bully, so quickly and so unexpectedly that the latter did not have time to put up so much as a pretense of a protection.
Back went Billy Bouncer, his teeth rattling, and down went Billy Bouncer on a backward slide. His head struck a loose javing brick. He moaned and closed his eyes.
"Four—medals!" he voiced faintly.
"Come on, Clark," said Ralph.
He snatched the arm of his new acquaintance and tried to force his way to the alley opening. Thus they proceeded a few feet, but only a few. A hush had fallen over Bouncer's friends, at the amazing sight of their redoubtable champion gone down in inglorious defeat, but only for a moment. One of the largest boys in the group rallied the disorganized mob.
"Out with your smashers!" he shouted. "Don't let them get away!"
Ralph pulled, or rather forced his companion back against two steps with an iron railing, lead-
