With a sudden swift bound Rudolf was upon him; his hands gripped Rupert's wrists, and with his greater strength he bent back the count's pliant body till trunk and head lay flat on the table.

Neither man spoke; their eyes met; each heard the other's breathing and felt the vapor of it on his face.

The girl outside had seen the movement of Rudolf's figure, but her cranny did not serve her to show her the two where they were now; she knelt on her knees in ignorant suspense.

Slowly and with a patient force Rudolf began to work his enemy's arms towards one another.

Rupert had read his design in his eyes and resisted with tense muscles.