The boys laughed.

John flushed a little, and as Tom remained silent added, "If you won't, then lick me if you can." As he spoke, he slipped off his coat and rolled up his sleeves.

The long lessons in self-defence had given him some confidence and, what was as useful, had developed chest and arms.
"Hit him, Tom," said the small boy.

In a moment the fight was on, the non-combatants delighted.
To Tom's surprise his wild blows somehow failed to get home.

It was characteristic of John then as in later days that he became cool as he realized his danger, while Tom quite lost his head as the success of the defence disappointed his attack.