Tommy would not repeat the offensive remark, and
Johnny's supporters began to think he was not half so anxious to
fight as he seemed, which was certainly true. I have no doubt, if
they had been alone, he would have found a convenient excuse for
retiring from the field, leaving it unsullied by a black eye or a
bloody nose.
My young friends will excuse me from digressing so far as to say
that, in more than a dozen years with boys, in school and out, I
have never heard of such a thing as two boys getting up a fight
and having it out alone. There must be a crowd of bruisers and
"scallewags" around, to keep up the courage of the combatants.
Therefore, those who look on are just as bad as those who fight,
for without their presence the fight could not be carried
through.
Tommy Howard had said all he had to say, and was therefore ready
to depart. He turned to do so, and walked several steps down the
alley, though he kept one eye over his shoulder to guard against
accidents.
"Hit him, Johnny!" cried one of the vagabond troops that
followed in the train of the bully.
"He darsen't fight," replied Johnny.
"Nor you, nuther," added another of the supporters.
This was too much for Johnny. It cut him to the quick, and he
could not stand it. If he did not thrash Tommy now, his
reputation would be entirely ruined.
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