“But my triumph was of short duration, for Orloff was on the other side like lightning, the rotten woodwork torn out under his vigorous wrench, and his hand was on my throat before I could grope my way to the stairs.
“Then I knew that life depended on the struggle, and I fought like one possessed, for the revolver. The baron came to his friend’s help; but I found time and opportunity to send him reeling to the ground.
“Orloff was the weaker man, but he outdid me in skill, and a dextrous feint threw me off my guard, leaving the revolver in his hand.
“Purple with passion, he fired instantly, and I felt a sharp sting in the left shoulder; and then all earthly things seemed to be fading away, and a world beyond opening to view.
“When I recovered I found myself laid on a mattress on the office table, and my wife tearfully bending over me. There was a calm-faced surgeon too, who showed me the ball he had extracted, and told me to cheer up, for I should be better in a few days, for no harm was done.
“Mr. Moss was there too, and came to my bedside—I mean my table-side—and whispered how he had been called up by the police, who, hearing a pistol-shot, had come upstairs and arrested Orloff and the baron, and finding me on the ground bleeding, had sent for a surgeon and my wife, having found my private address from a letter in my pocket.
“I was only faint from loss of blood; the bullet did little damage, and I preferred getting up, and then gave an account of the evening’s adventure, not noticing at the time that a tall inspector of police was in the room.
“‘Will you kindly show me those pieces of paper?’ he said, advancing. “I have the men in Mr. Moss’s office; but beyond the assault on you, I have no evidence against them; but I know them well.’
“I produced them, and the inspector fastened on the one which seemed to be a plan; then looking around, he said:
“‘This is a plan of your office.’