When liquor is smuggled into a construction camp, a section boss must sometimes use physical force or relinquish his command.
He staggered and nearly fell as his leg was seized.

It looked as if the lad had come to his master's help; but one could not be fastidious, and a savage backward kick got rid of the new antagonist.

The other was powerful and stubborn, and Festing spent a strenuous few minutes before he threw him into the sand beside the burrow.
"I'm pretty fresh and ready to start again if you are," he said.

"Still I reckon you have had enough." The fellow got up scowling and told the lad to bring his bag.
"You'll hear more about this," he rejoined and slouched off.
Festing went back, and Helen started when he jumped across the ditch.
His jacket was torn, his lip was cut, and his face was bruised.

He looked dishevelled, but not at all embarrassed.