He felt a chivalrous desire to rescue the unsuspecting stranger from the peril that menaced him.
Joe, too, imitating the stealthy motion of the pursuer, swiftly gained upon him, overtaking him just as he had the sand-bag poised aloft, ready to be brought down upon the head of the traveler.
With a cry, Joe rushed upon the would-be assassin, causing him to stumble and fall, while the gentleman in front turned round in amazement.
Joe sprang to his side.
"Have you a pistol ?" he said quickly.
Scarcely knowing what he did, the gentleman drew out a pistol and put it in Joe's hand.

Joe cocked it, and stood facing the ruffian.
The desperado was on his feet, fury in his looks and a curse upon his lips.

He swung the sand-bag aloft.
"Curse you!" he said.

"I'll make you pay for this!" "One step forward," said Joe, in a clear, distinct voice, which betrayed not a particle of fear, "and I will put a bullet through your brain!" The assassin stepped back.

He was a coward, who attacked from behind.