"I don't want to hit you, sir, but you may force me to do so."

Phil had no time to warn the fellow further, for the clown
began to rain blows upon him, though with no great exhibition
of boxing skill. Phil could have landed effectively anywhere
on the clown's body had he chosen to do so.

Instead, the boy slowly gave ground, defending himself cleverly.
Not one single blow from the powerful fist of Diaz reached him,
Phil exhibiting the wonderful self-control that was
characteristic of him. He even found opportunity to warn Teddy
to get out of the tent until the tempest had blown over.

Teddy, however, stood with hands thrust in his trousers pockets,
shoulders hunched forward, glaring at Diaz.

"Don't you get in this now," breathed Phil. "Keep away!
Keep away! I'll--"

At that moment Phil stumbled over a trunk, landing on his head
and shoulders. Quick as he was he found himself unable to turn
over and roll away soon enough to get beyond reach of the
angry clown.

Diaz hurled himself upon the slender, though athletic figure of
the Circus Boy, almost knocking the breath out of Phil.

No sooner had he done so than something else happened. A body
launched itself through the air. The body belonged to Tucker.
Teddy landed with great force on the head and shoulders of the