She was assailed.

She was beset.

There swept over him the swift instinct for action which was a part of life in that comer of the world.

In a flash his weapon leaped from its scabbard, and an unwavering, shining silver point covered the figure of this little, dark man, now obviously guilty of sacrilege unspeakable.
"Git back, you feller'" cried Tom Osby.

"Leggo! What are you doin' there?
Break, now, and git out.