A second shot was sent after him, but this time very wide of its mark.

Then, as it seemed, at his very feet a dozen black forms rose out of the earth.

He tripped over one and went floundering on to his nose.

As his hands touched the ground, a score of bright sparks flew up and were extinguished.

With a cry of pain he rolled upon his back, and was at once pinned to the ground by a dozen firm hands.
He had blundered full-tilt across the embers of a French camp-fire.
A lantern was lit and thrust close to his face.