Then, the dark-clad man seem to explode.

He hurled himself at the American, fists clenched and striking out. As suddenly the younger man lowered his hands, as if to protect himself, then began to back away, apparently bewildered by the rain of blows. He was a head taller and looked much more powerful than Lodwin, but in the first few seconds of that hurricane attack it looked as if he was going to be battered to his knees. There was a strained look on his face and in his eyes, too, and Gillian could sense his desperation.

“Stop!” she cried, and scrambled off the couch. “Stop it! stop it!” She swayed on her feet, but managed to stagger forward. By then Lodwin had the coppery-haired young man with his back against the wall. ‘‘Stop it!’’ she screamed.

The coppery-haired young man dodged to one side, out of immediate danger. To get at him, Lodwin swung round, oblivious of Gillian’s nearness, and he bumped into her. She staggered to one side, while Lodwin leaped to attack again; but now it was not so easy. The younger man fended him off with a blow on the nose, then seemed to twist his body and writhe closer to his assailant. In a moment they were tangling again, but now she had no doubt who would win.

“If you don’t stop it,” she cried, “I’ll send for the police !”

They ignored her.

She swung round and rushed to the telephone, but as she lifted it, and while she looked over her shoulder, she saw Lodwin’ rock back on his heels and fall heavily. He lay on his back for a moment, eyelids fluttering, making no attempt to get up. The tall young man was breathing quickly as he looked first at his victim and then at Gillian.

“I’m real sorry about that,” he said, and then realised that she was holding the telephone. “What are you going to do?”