He had gone but a few yards when he heard a loud cry, and everyone darted suddenly into shops or round corners.
Looking round in surprise, Reuben saw what had caused the movement.
A Malay, with his long hair streaming down his shoulders, was rushing down the street, giving vent to terrible yells; in his hand he held a crease, with which, just as Reuben looked round, he cut down a native who had tried, too late, to make his escape.
The two English girls, confused and alarmed at the sudden outburst; and unable, until too late, to comprehend the cause of it, stood alone in the middle of the street and, too terrified now to move, clung to each other, regardless of the shouts to fly raised by people at the windows and doors.
[Illustration: The Ladies Saved from the Malay's Crease.] The Malay, with a howl of exultation, made at them with uplifted crease.

Reuben sprang forward, passed the terrified women when the Malay was within four paces of them, and threw himself with all his force upon him.

The Malay, whose eyes were fixed upon the ladies, was taken by surprise by the assault; and his crease had not time to fall when Reuben sprang upon him.
The shock threw both to the ground; Reuben, as he fell, throwing both arms round his adversary.

The Malay struggled furiously, and the combatants rolled over and over on the ground.

Strong as Reuben was, the frenzy of the Malay gave him greater power; and the lad felt he could not long retain his grip of the arm with which the Malay strove to use his crease.
Help, however, was not long in coming.