"And now it's coming! Here it is!" He aimed a savage blow at Dick.

Young Prescott, who had really doubted that Dodge had courage enough to invite a fight, was not expecting it.

The blow landed on Dick's chin, sending the leader of Dick & Co to the ground.
"Now, get up and answer that---you---you sneak!" dared Bert exultantly.
Dick was on his feet fast enough, side-stepping just in time to dodge a follow-up punch.
"Dodge," Dick remarked, as he threw up his guard, "there, is still time for you to beat it out of here if you don't want to take the consequences of that blow." "You put me out of here!" Bert retorted defiantly.
Though Dick was quivering with indignation, he still hesitated to spring at Dodge.

Dick didn't want to fight, on the sole ground that he felt too much contempt for his opponent.
"Come, on, you mucker!" challenged Bert, dancing about Prescott.
Then Dodge delivered two swift, straight-from-the-shoulder blows.
Of a sudden Dick jumped into the fray.
"Good!" quivered Darry, his eyes flashing.

To Dave's way of thinking, Dick's swift vigorous defence should have followed that first knock-down.
"Come on, you mucker!" taunted Bert, while the interchange of blows now became fast and furious.