The life-preserver bent and quivered behind him, cut the air with a swish and crashed full upon the head.
The man staggered back.

The weapon fell from his fingers.

For a moment he was paralysed.

There was no blood upon his hand, no cry--silence inhuman, unnatural! He looked again.

Then the lights flashed out all around him.
There were two detectives in the doorway, their revolvers covering him,--Sanford Quest, with Lenora in the background.