It was then that the woman flung up her own arms and encircled the stooping Russian in a fierce and passionate grasp.
He laughed a little, deep in his throat.

She told herself that she was at least imprisoning his hands.
Durkin's blow caught the bending figure just at the base of the skull, behind the ear.

The impact whipped the head back, and sent the relaxing body forward and down.

It struck the floor, and lay there, huddled, face down.

The woman scrambled to her feet, breathing hard.
"Close the shutters!" said Durkin quickly.
Then he turned the unconscious man over on his back.