"That is only a taste of what is due you! I hope you have not had enough yet, you cowardly brute!" Leon Disney and those two other cronies of Nick's were holding their breath with dismay.

They had never expected to see the time when any one could knock their boastful leader out in this easy fashion.

What previous opinions they had entertained concerning Hugh Morgan's prowess must now be reversed.
Stung by this taunt, Nick immediately scrambled to his feet.

He seemed a bit what he himself would have termed "groggy," being familiar with the slang of the prize ring, but in spite of this he leaped wildly at his enemy.
Thad Stevens feared for his chum when he saw the fury of this attack; but he need not have worried.

Hugh was able to look out for himself.
Although those boys had never known him to take part in a single encounter, Hugh had apparently made a study of the art of self-defense.
There can be no harm in knowing _how_ to fight, if one is resolved never to indulge in the game save as a very last resort.