It was only the fact that the fellow was a notorious local ruffian that prevented their expressing open disapproval of the act.

As the man grasped Vincent's collar with his right hand Vincent saw his left go under his coat toward the pocket in the back of the trousers where revolvers were always carried.

In an instant he sprang to his feet, and before the man, who was taken by surprise at the suddenness of the movement, could steady himself, he struck him a tremendous blow and at the same moment springing at his throat, threw him backward on to the floor of the carriage.

As he fell the man drew out his revolver, but Vincent grasped his arm and with a sharp twist wrenched the revolver from his grasp, and, leaping up, threw it out of the open window.

The ruffian rose to his feet for a moment half-dazed by the violence with which he had fallen, and poured out a string of imprecations upon Vincent.