That he had not as yet succumbed to Toro, was due only to his vastly superior agility and activity.
It was all in vain for the Italian ruffian to try and close with him.
Sunday would not have this.
He knew that his chance lay in keeping Toro at a respectful distance.
And so he danced round him, dropping in an occasional smart rap which goaded the Italian to fury.
"Help!" cried Hunston. "Cut him down! cut him down!"
One of the brigands rushed at Harvey knife in hand, and thus created a momentary diversion in his favour.
Had not Harkaway just then appeared upon the scene it might have gone hard with his comrade Dick.
Prompt, however, to act at this critical juncture, Harkaway spurred his horse into the group and rode them down.
Then reining up, he flung himself from his horse, and went into the melee.