The fellow was a dangerous reptile, and could not be allowed to hurt Sadie by his poisonous tricks.

Charnock meant to punish him, but must first overcome the insidious ally the other had counted on.

He looked at his watch again.

A quarter of an hour had gone; he felt stronger, and more confident.

For all that, the fight was stern, and at length Festing, entering quietly, was surprised to find Charnock sitting with his watch in his hand.