He did not mean to be forced back, particularly as there were men at work not far off who had, no doubt, noted Charnock's aggressive attitude.

The latter, however, was quicker than he thought, and reached the dangerous spot before Wilkinson got across.

Splashing, and slipping in the mud, he advanced recklessly, and Wilkinson could not turn back.

Moreover, he could not strike Charnock, because he was in the workmen's view, and the railroaders would not approve his attacking an apparently defenseless man.

He thought Charnock knew this, but the fellow was not as defenseless as he looked.