He tried to . . . . . . . . himself against a horde of ruffians.

The correct answer is C. defend.

The word “defend” means to protect someone or something from attack or harm. In this case, the man is trying to protect himself from a group of ruffians.

The other options are not correct because they do not accurately describe the man’s actions.

• The word “save” means to rescue someone or something from danger. In this case, the man is not trying to rescue himself from danger, he is trying to protect himself from danger.
• The word “collect” means to gather or assemble something. In this case, the man is not trying to gather or assemble something, he is trying to protect himself.
• The word “support” means to provide assistance or encouragement to someone or something. In this case, the man is not providing assistance or encouragement to himself, he is trying to protect himself.