I jumped for him with the quickness of a cat, and clutching him by the throat for a moment I had the advantage of him.

But he was too strong for me, and soon had me on the ground and was beating me severely.

While away from home I had someway come into possession of a very small pocket dagger, which I had carried about with me in its sheath, using it in place of a knife.

During the struggle this fell from my pocket, and my hand by accident rested upon it as it lay upon the ground.

Exasperated beyond measure at Steve's persistence in destroying my play-houses, and smarting under his blows, I forgot myself for the moment, grasped the dagger and unthinkingly thrust it into Steve's thigh.