“Perhaps that will teach you, sir,” he exclaimed, “to let me and mine alone in the future.”
Jones was no coward. He wiped a few drops of blood from his lips, and stepping suddenly forward, aimed a heavy blow at Mr. Willing.
But the latter, in spite of his age, was still agile and strong. He sprang to one side, and avoided the blow, but then, stepping in close, sent his fist into the other’s face with all his power.
Jones struck the sidewalk like a log. His companion took to his heels.
A crowd, attracted by the scuffle, began to gather.
Presently Jones pulled himself together and scrambled to his feet. Mr. Willing still stood with clenched fists and set lips.
“Have you had enough?” he asked. “Or shall I give you another dose?”
For one moment it seemed that Jones would renew the fight; but after a look at the rapidly gathering crowd, he turned and walked away.
“Three cheers for the old boy,” shouted a youngster in the crowd.
At that moment a hand was laid on Mr. Willing’s shoulder. The latter turned to face a policeman.
“You are under arrest,” said the officer. “Come with me.”
In vain Mr. Willing protested. The officer was firm. Finally Mr. Willing consented to go without trouble.
“If you’ll step into my car, I’ll drive you to the station,” he said.
Shirley, perceiving her father in the hands of the law, was frightened. Mr. Willing reassured her, however, when he stepped into the car, and ordered the chauffeur to drive to police headquarters.
As they continued down the street, the crowd gave three more ringing cheers. Mr. Willing was forced to smile.
At the police station Mr. Willing had little difficulty explaining matters satisfactorily to the sergeant, and he was allowed to go.
“You did perfectly right,” declared the old sergeant.
He shook hands with Mr. Willing and his daughter, and wished them good luck. The latter then returned to their hotel.
“I guess that was enough punishment for Jones,” said Mr. Willing cheerfully in relating the occurrence to Mr. Ashton a short time later.
“Indeed it was,” was the reply, “and it also saved you a lot of court trouble and notoriety.”
Two days longer the party stayed in Louisville, and then set out for home. Jimmy’s injuries were getting along nicely and no serious results were anticipated. The mark on Shirley’s face, caused by the blow of the whip, was also rapidly disappearing.