He disappeared suddenly, at the very moment that Jack was expecting to come into collision with him.
How strange!
Jack was not conscious of having an enemy—at least not one in that part of the world.
"Very strange," he muttered; "very strange!"
And brooding over this episode, Jack wended his way thoughtfully homewards.
"Hah!"
Crossing the very threshold of his residence, Jack was suddenly and swiftly assaulted.
The same semi-Oriental figure had stolen stealthily up behind him, and with a murderous-looking knife dealt him a sharp, swift blow.
Jack bounded forward, and turned round pistol in hand, but so nearly fatal had been the blow that Jack's coat was ripped down the back.