They saw some cursed Mongol leaning out through the window of the closed car, and could have either shot him or put a bullet so close that his aim would have been disturbed.

As it was, my wife only escaped death by the mercy of Providence.

She bent slightly at the very instant the would-be assassin fired, and the bullet simply lacerated her shoulder.

After this, I'll defend myself and my womenfolk, but I need at least one other man whom I can trust.

Will you come ?" "I'll be with you within twenty minutes." He heard the clang of the receiver being replaced on its rest at the other end of the wire.