His fell intent was written on his face.
Falgate gasped--a helpless fool--while Mainwaring hurled himself forward to prevent the thing he saw impended.

Too late.

Even as he flung out his hands to grapple with his lordship, Rotherby's arm drove straight before him and sent his sword through the undefended back of Mr.Caryll.
All that Mr.Caryll realized at first was that he had been struck a blow between the shoulder blades; and then, ere he could turn to inquire into the cause, he was amazed to see some three inches of steel come through his shirt in front.

The next instant an exquisite, burning, searing pain went through and through him as the blade was being withdrawn.
He coughed and swayed, then hurtled sideways into the arms of Major Gascoigne.

His senses swam.