But the man was like a tiger, possessed of immense strength encased in a wiry frame.

The surprise of attack was to my advantage, yet almost before I realized what was being done, he had rallied, broken my first hold, and his eyes were glaring straight into mine.

Then he knew me, signaling his discovery with an oath, his free hand instantly grasping at the knife concealed beneath his loose cloak.

Even as he jerked it forth, I crushed his wrist within my fingers, forcing his fore-arm back.

Breast to breast we wrestled for mastery, every muscle strained, our feet firm planted on the sand.