He actually struck a match and relighted his cigarette.
"I suppose you occasionally have a nightmare after an indigestible supper, Mr.Brett," he went on, "and have experienced a peculiar sensation of dumb palsy in the presence of some unknown but terrifying danger?
Well, such was my exact state at that moment.

Alan fell, apparently lifeless.

The stranger kissed his blood-stained sword, which required a strong tug before he could disengage it, rattled it back into the scabbard, rejoined his companion, and the two rode off, without once looking back.

I can see them now, square-shouldered, with hair tied in a knot beneath their quaint hats, their hips absurdly swollen by the huge pockets of their coats, their boots hanging over their knees.

They wore big brass spurs with tremendous rowels, and the cantles of their saddles were high and brass-bound.
"Alan lay motionless.