He wrinkled his brow, as if seeking words in which to make his meaning clear, and they seemed willing enough to wait for him, but not so I, for I now knew where the letter was.

So I sprang into their midst, falling less dangerously than I might have done by reason of a man's shoulders that served for a cushion.

It may be that his bones broke under my weight.

I can give no accurate report as to that, for I was in great haste.

But as he gave way under me, I pitched forward, and, kicking Yussuf Dakmar in the belly with my boot, I fell on him, they falling on me in turn and we all writhing together in one mass on the floor.