Laverick, instantly suspicious and realizing that there was no one in front of him, turned swiftly around.

He was just in time to receive upon his left arm the blow which had been meant for the back of his head.

He was confronted by a man dressed exactly as he himself was, in morning coat and silk hat, a man with long, lean face and legal appearance, such a person as would have passed anywhere without attracting a moment's suspicion.
Yet, in the space of a few seconds he had whipped out from one pocket, with the skill almost of a juggler, a vicious-looking life-preserver, and from the other a pocket-handkerchief soaked with chloroform.

Laverick, quick and resourceful, feeling his left arm sink helpless, struck at the man with his right and sent him staggering against the wall.

The handkerchief, with its load of sickening odor, fell to the pavement.