He had no pistol, but his fingers went to his belt and with the quickness of light itself he hurled a knife straight at Marteau.

The woman with equal speed caught the man's arm and disturbed his aim.

Her movement was purely instinctive.

According to his own words she had even more to fear from Marteau than from this ruffian.

The young officer instantly dropped to his knees and as he did so presented his pistol and fired.