It was Clem Peckover; with some friend's assistance she had evidently tracked the couple and was now springing out of ambush.

She rushed upon Pennyloaf, who for very alarm could not flee, and attacked her with clenched fists.

A scream of terror and pain caused Bob to turn and run back.
Pennyloaf could not even ward off the blows that descended upon her head; she was pinned against the wall, her hat was torn away, her hair began to fly in disorder.

But Bob effected a speedy rescue.

He gripped Clem's muscular arms, and forced them behind her back as if he meant to dismember her.