Fergus Hume 
The Scarlet Bat [EPUB ebook] 

‘I say you’re a bad lot!’ ‘And I reply that you’re a liar!’ ‘Take that!’ ‘Here’s the repayment!’ The man who had spoken first went down like a log. He was a red-headed creature, with a rasping voice and an aggressive manner, evidently one of those who bullied his way through the world, for want of a bold spirit to stand up to him. In this instance he found his match, for the handsome face of the young fellow he insulted was sternly set and considerably flushed. After the war of words came the blow from the bully. His fist passed harmlessly by the head of this antagonist, and a well-delivered return blow caught him fairly on the jaw. Then red-head lay down to consider the lesson he had been taught.