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Rh It fell to the floor with a firm, sharp sound. The man leaped down and swung his light toward it, but before the light discovered the object, Hereford had sprung forward. The other, hearing him, struck out savagely with his heavy cane, as Hereford rushed into the glow of the lamp.

"Ah! You!" Annis' voice gave the relief in his recognition as he struck.

But Hereford, certain now that what they both sought was between them, made no reply. Annis' blow caught him upon upraised arm. Annis, in countering the blow aimed at him in return, lifted his hand holding the lamp. Hereford's cane smashed it from him and it crashed to the floor. The two men met, striking with stick and fist in the total darkness.

Hereford's face was bruised; he felt the