The collision had cracked my temper, and I had a mind to give Muckle John a lesson in civility.

For Muckle John it was beyond doubt; not two men in the broad earth had that ungainly bend of neck.
The next I knew we were out on the river bank on a shore of hard clay which the tides had created.

Here I saw him more clearly, and I began to doubt.

I might be chasing some river-side ruffian, who would give me a knife in my belly for my pains.
The doubt slackened my pace, and he gained on me.

Then I saw his intention.