a part of its force just above his ear. But, guarding himself, he sprang
back, while Woodville faced him, laughing lightly.

Dick shook his head a little and the singing departed. Just above his
ear he felt a great soreness, but he was cool now. Moreover, he was
losing his anger.

"First blow for you," he said. "I see that you know how to use your
fists."

"I hope to prove it."

Woodville, stepping lightly on his toes and feinting with his left,
caught Dick on his cheek bone with his right. Then he sought to spring
away, but Dick, although staggered, swung heavily and struck Woodville on
the forehead. The Mississippian went down full length on the slippery
grass but jumped to his feet in an instant. Blood was flowing from his
forehead, whence it ran down his nose and fell to the earth, drop by
drop. Dick himself was bleeding from the cut on his cheek bone.

The two faced each other, cool, smiling, but resolute enemies.

"First knockdown for you," said Woodville, "but I mean that the second
shall be mine."

"Go in and try."

But Woodville drew back a little, and as Dick followed, looking for
an opening he was caught again a heavy clip on the side of the head.
He saw stars and was not able to return the blow, but he sprang back and