"We had forgotten him!" "He'll join us, mate--he'll join us!" cried Vetch, fearful of bloodshed.
Gabbett uttered a furious oath, and flinging himself on to the prostrate figure, dragged it, head foremost, to the floor.

The sudden vertigo had saved Rufus Dawes's life.

The robber twisted one brawny hand in his shirt, and pressing the knuckles down, prepared to deliver a blow that should for ever silence the listener, when Vetch caught his arm.

"He's been asleep," he cried.

"Don't hit him! See, he's not awake yet." A crowd gathered round.