He struck downward so hard that with a fierce cry of pain the man relaxed his hold.

Before he could recover, Laverick had struck him again.

He reeled into the crowd that was fast gathering around them, attracted by what seemed to be a fight between two men of unexceptionable appearance.
But there was to be no more fight.

Through the people, swift-footed, cunning, resourceful, his assailant seemed to find some hidden way.

Laverick glared fiercely around him, but the man had gone.