Item 2 Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this story.

Read this excerpt from “Water Never Hurt a Man” by Walter D. Edmonds.

"Take off your pants, dearie," said the boy in a mock voice, digging in his fingers till John winced." Joe Buller can handle your Captain smart enough. Me, I'll just paddle you to learn you."

John, looking up, was afraid. He did not know what to do, but without warning his hands acted for him, and he struck at the square face with all his might.

Which statement best describes the interaction between the characters in this excerpt?

When the boy speaks to John, it shows that the boy used to be a friend of John’s.

When the boy taunts John, it shows that John is slow.

When John strikes the square face, it shows his potential for violence.

When John fights back, it shows that he is not willing to be bullied.