THE mind thinks rapidly in a moment of great danger. In the fraction of a second, the whole story was clear to Harry. While he had been watching Volovick, the man in back of him had prepared for the attack.
Another person had been stationed at the light switch. Both had acted simultaneously. One quick stab — and Harry Vincent would have been the victim.
This realization came to Harry while he swung into action. Fortunately, he had seen the man who was approaching him. He swung instinctively in the darkness.
His blow was calculated to perfection. His fist encountered a face; there was a snarling gasp, and Harry heard the man crash to the floor.
Harry moved toward the center of the room. The door of the Pink Rat was straight ahead; but he realized that flight would be folly. Doubtless some one was stationed outside.
Harry stumbled against a bench, and held it with his hands.
Loud shouts echoed through the room. One woman was screaming.
Harry gripped the bench tensely, wondering what would happen next. He had only a moment to wait.
A flashlight was turned on at the table where Volovick was sitting. Its glare was directed toward the spot where Harry had been. Then it swung out across the room, and stopped, focused directly upon Harry.
Harry had turned toward the light; now he was staring straight into the blinding spot.