It would be just like his way." Hugh felt a thrill pass over him.

It was as though some innate warning told him he would sooner or later be mixed up in the mess Nick meant to start.

Somehow, his thoughts instinctively flew to Owen Dugdale, and he remembered what Thad had remarked earlier in the evening about the possibility of Nick picking on Owen simply because Peggy Noland chose to accompany the other to the hop, in preference to accepting Nick for a partner.
The voices were growing even more boisterous.
"Let's get a move on us, and sprint up that way, Hugh," suggested Thad, unable to restrain his impatience.
"Might as well," the other grimly told him.
Accordingly, they started to run.

All the while they could hear disputing voices raised in anger and excitement.

Apparently, Nick was aroused, and looking for trouble; when he allowed himself to jump into this aggressive mood, somebody was liable to feel the weight of his heavy fist before the end of the affair came.