I wish to pass, and I mean to pass, those four in front.' They were all standing still; himself included.
'If eight men, or four men, or two men, set upon one,' he proceeded, growing more enraged, 'the one has no chance but to set his mark upon some of them.

And, by the Lord, I'll do it, if I am interrupted any farther!' Shouldering his heavy stick, and quickening his pace, he shot on to pass the four ahead.

The largest and strongest man of the number changed swiftly to the side on which he came up, and dexterously closed with him and went down with him; but not before the heavy stick had descended smartly.
'Let him be!' said this man in a suppressed voice, as they struggled together on the grass.

'Fair play! His is the build of a girl to mine, and he's got a weight strapped to his back besides.

Let him alone.