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and strength was much that reminded Cassidy of the fallen idol that in his heart

of hearts he still worshiped.

And then, like a panther, the mucker sprang in with a vicious left hook to the

jaw, followed, with lightning rapidity, by a right upper cut to the chin that lifted

Battling Dago Pete a foot from the floor to drop him, unconscious, against the foot

of the further wall.

It was a clean knock-out, and when Cassidy and Hurricane got through

ministering to the fallen man, and indications of returning consciousness were

apparent, the professor turned to Billy.

"Got any more 'hopes' lyin' around loose?" asked the mucker with a grin. "I guess

the big dinge's safe for a while yet."

Not if you'll keep on stayin' away from the booze, kid," said Professor Cassidy,

an' let me handle you."

"I gotcha Steve," said Billy; "go to it; but first, stake me to a feed. The front side of

my stomach's wrapped around my back bone."

138

The Mucker