It was so loud and so unexpected that Lord Harleston started, half-turned towards her, and by doing so, saved his life!
Dropping down from a beam in the ceiling came an Indian with a knife in his hand that he intended to drive into Lord Harleston.
Fortunately his movement made the Indian’s spring slightly off target and, as he fell against him, Lord Harleston knocked the knife out of his hand, which clattered to the floor.
At the same time the Indian’s grip on him prevented him from firing his own pistol and with his other hand he went for Lord Harleston’s throat.
Fighting violently, Lord Harleston fell to the ground with the Indian on top of him.
Although he was strong and a good pugilist in ordinary circumstances he was somewhat encumbered by the tightness of his riding coat and the
