The blow was not struck, for Festing leaped across the grass and next moment the boy fell beside the burrow.

He was unhurt, but too surprised to move, because he had never seen anybody move as fast as the man who threw him down.
Then Festing heard steps behind, and turned in time to guard his head with his right arm.

It felt numb and he was half dazed by a shock of pain, but he struck savagely with his left hand and his knuckles jarred on bone.

The other's stick dropped, and when they grappled Festing was relieved to feel his arm was not broken.

His muscles were hard and well trained, his blood was hot, and a struggle of the kind was not altogether a novelty.