It looked as if he lacked the quickness and skill, and failed to see his chance.
Zeigler now began edging nearer.

He had come within an inch of reaching the face of Tom, when he failed to counter.

A little closer, and he was sure he could "knock him out." At any rate, if he failed to do so, he had nothing to fear from a foe who did not know enough to use an elemental advantage.
A quick step forward at the instant of feinting with his right, and Zeigler again let fly with his left straight from the shoulder.

It was a vicious blow, and, had it landed, would have done damage; but a flirt of the head allowed it to glide harmlessly over the shoulder.

At the instant of doing so, Tom cross-countered with a quickness and force that could not have been excelled.