They began to give, each to each, distorted versions of the fight.

Causes of retreat in particular cases were magnified.

Blows dealt in the fight were enlarged to catapultian power, and stones thrown were alleged to have hurtled with infinite accuracy.

Valor grew strong again, and the little boys began to swear with great spirit.
"Ah, we blokies kin lick deh hull damn Row," said a child, swaggering.
Little Jimmie was striving to stanch the flow of blood from his cut lips.

Scowling, he turned upon the speaker.
"Ah, where deh hell was yeh when I was doin' all deh fightin ?" he demanded.