Now, he understood.

This sissyfied chap, with the high and-mighty airs, was bluffing.

That was what he was doing.

Bluffing! Did he think for a minute he could get away with it, and with the dog?
A swirl of red fury swept to the beach comber's brain.
Wordless, face distorted, he flung himself at the elusive Brice.
So sudden was his spring that it threatened to take its victim unaware.

Brice's back was turned to the aggressor, and he was already on his way toward the woods.
Yet, with but a fraction of an inch to spare, he turned to face the oncoming human whirlwind.