d," replied Quincy. "I regret that I do not
know your name."

"Well, you won't have to suffer long before you find out," said the
fellow. "My name's Robert Wood, or Bob Wood for short."

"Ah! I see," said Quincy. "Robert for long wood and Bob for short wood."

Wood's face grew redder.

"I s'pose you think that's mighty smart makin' fun of folks' names. I
guess there ain't much doubt but what you said what a friend of mine
tells me you did."

Quincy remarked calmly, "Well, what did your friend say I said about
you?"

By this time the loungers in and outside the store had gathered around
the two talkers. Wood seemed encouraged and braced up by the presence of
so many friends. He walked up close to Quincy and said, "Well, my friend
told me that you said there was but one jackass in Eastborough and he
sang bass in the quartette."

Quincy paled a little, but replied firmly, "I never said it, and if your
friend says I did he lies and he knows it."

At this juncture, as if prearranged, Obadiah Strout suddenly emerged
from the grocery store.

"What's the matter, gentlemen?" asked Mr. Strout.

"Well," said Wood, "I told this young man what you said he said, and he
says you're a liar."

"Well," said Strout pompously, "I know that he said it and I have
witnesses to prove it. When you settle with him for calling you a
jackass I'll settle with him for calling me a liar."

"Take your coat off, Mr. Sawyer, and get ready. I won't keep you waitin'
but a few moments," said Bob.

A jeering laugh went up from the crowd. Quincy, turning, saw Hiram.

"Here, Hiram," said he, "hold my things."

He took off his overcoat and then his black Prince Albert coat and
passed them to Hiram. Then he removed his hat, which he also handed to
Hiram.

Turning to Wood he said, "Come right out here, Mr. Wood; here is a place
where the sun has kindly removed the snow and we can get a good
footing."

Wood followed him, and the crowd formed a ring about them.

"Now, Mr. Wood, or perhaps I should say Bob Wood for short, put up your
hands."

Bob put them up in defiance of all rules governing boxing. This was
enough for Quincy; he had sized up his man and determined to make the
most of his opportunity.

"Mr. Wood," he said politely, "before I hit you I am going to tell you
just exactly where I am going to strike, so you can't blame me for
anything that may happen. I shall commence on your right eye."

Wood's face grew livid; he made a r