A VICTORY, AND A DEFEAT I arose silently to my feet, conscious of possessing no weapon, yet fully aware that all hope of thwarting this villainy lay in immediate action.

But I must await the right moment.

Even with the advantage of surprise, there would inevitably be the noise of struggle.

I had in the past despised Sanchez, but I had never yet tested him as a fighting man, and, indeed, no longer considered the fellow to be a mean antagonist.

Remembering who he was, I now realized fully the desperate nature of my attempt, the need of quick, remorseless action.
Nevertheless I dared not attack until assured that those men he had just dispatched were safely beyond ear-shot.