I was wondering at the smile that curled his lips, when he sprang upon me, casting his arms around my waist, and twining one leg about mine.

The shock of this sudden and unexpected onset took me completely by surprise, and I gave back sharply, scarce realizing his purpose, till he had the under-hold, and sought to lift me for a throw.

'T was my weight alone that saved me, together with the rare good fortune that I had been leaning upon my gun.
As the breath came back to me, we locked grimly in a fierce struggle for the mastery.

I had felt the straining grip of strong arms before, but De Croix surprised me,--he was like steel, quick of motion as a wildcat, with many a cunning French wrestling trick that tried me sorely.

I heard a quick exclamation of surprise from the girl, a shout of delighted approval from Jordan, and then there was no sound but the harsh trampling of our feet and the heavy breathing.