Ah Q flung his jacket on the ground, spat, and swore, ”Hairy worm!”

“Mangy dog, who are you calling names?” Whiskers Wang looked up contemptuously.

 

Although the relative respect accorded him in recent years had increased Ah Q’s pride ,he was still rather timid when confronted by those loafers accustomed to fighting. But today he was feeling exceltionally pugnacious. How dare a hairy-cheeked creature like this insult him?

 

“if the cap fits wear it “,he retorted, standing up and putting his hands on his hips.

 

“Are your bones itching?” demanded whiskers Wang , standing up too and draping his jacket over his shoulders.

 

Thinking that the fellow meant to run away, Ah Q lunged for-ward to punch him. But before his fist reached the target, his opponent seized him and gave him a tug which sent him staggering. Then Whiskers Wang seized his queue and started dragging him towards the wall to knock his head in the time-honoured manner.

 

“A gentleman uses his tongue but not his hands!” protested Ah Q, his head on one side.

 

Apparently Whiskers Wang was no gentleman ,for without paying the slightest attention to what Ah Q said he knocked his head against the wall five times in succession ,then with a great push shoved him two yards away, after which he walked off in triumph.