We'll go in there and see how much of a fighter he is." More citizens had gathered by this time, and there was every sign of an intention to stop further trouble.

But Dave Darrin sprang into the crowd, saying, almost in an undertone: "The respectable men here don't want to try to stop this affair.
A lot of useful manhood depends upon the issue.

Don't worry about my friend, if he does look rather young.

He can take care of himself, all right, and he is calling for a fight that ought to be fought.

You respectable men in the crowd keep still, and just come along and see fair play---that's all." Dave's earnest eloquence won over many of the men representing the better element of the crowd.
"Jove! He's a plucky boy!" cried one man.
"But Miller will pound him to a pulp!" "Come along, everyone, and see whether rum or water is the best drink for fighting men!" insisted Tom Reade.
There was a general movement toward the vacant lot.