Suddenly, from out of nowhere, came a great blow against his ear, that sent him falling helpless backwards.

He heard Dawes's heavy panting, like a wild beast's, then came a kick on the knee, giving him such agony that he got up and, quite blind, leapt clean under his enemy's guard.

He felt blows and kicks, but they did not hurt.

He hung on to the bigger man like a wild cat, till at last Dawes fell with a crash, losing his presence of mind.
Paul went down with him.

Pure instinct brought his hands to the man's neck, and before Dawes, in frenzy and agony, could wrench him free, he had got his fists twisted in the scarf and his knuckles dug in the throat of the other man.