Page:The Ruby of Kishmoor (1908).djvu/70

 weapon, clattering, and in an instant tried to draw another from his other pocket. Before he could direct his aim, however, our hero had caught him by both wrists, and, bending his hand backward, prevented the chance of any shot from taking immediate effect upon his person. Then followed a struggle of extraordinary ferocity and frenzy—the stranger endeavoring to free his hand, and Jonathan striving with all the energy of despair to prevent him from effecting his murderous purpose.

In the struggle our hero became thrust against the edge of the table. He felt as though his back were breaking, and became conscious that in such a situation he could hope to defend himself only a few moments longer. The stranger’s face was pressed close to his own. His hot breath, strong with the odor of garlic, fanned our hero’s cheek, while his lips, distended into a ferocious and ferine grin, displayed his sharp teeth shining in the candlelight.

“Give me ze ball!” he said, in a harsh and furious whisper.