Perhaps after this Nick would think twice before attacking a weaker boy, who might have a friend capable and willing to take up cudgels in his behalf.
Nick flourished those big fists of his, and commenced to dance tauntingly around as though meaning to enlist the admiration of his cronies, who had never yet seen him come out of a battle second-best, and therefore deemed him invincible.
Hugh leaped at him with fury glowing in his eyes.

Some powerful fever seemed to have utterly overwhelmed the boy.

Thad and those others stared as though they could not believe their vision.

Was this impetuous boy who struck down Nick's guard as though nothing could restrain his attack, the same Hugh Morgan who on numerous occasions had been known to arbitrate a dispute, and declare that it was not worth getting into a temper over?
A miracle seemed to have happened.

The sight of Nick's brutal treatment of Owen Dugdale must have transformed Hugh into a merciless avenger.