When it appeared to me we were getting the mastery of them, I heard the
Duke gasp out some guttural remarks in German to his companion.
Then suddenly the latter released his hold of the pistol, leaving it in our hands, but his freed hand went to his breast and reappeared with a long knife in it.
I did not actually see the blow, but I heard Brooks cry out, and I knew that the man had struck him.
But meanwhile Don Juan had picked up the revolver and pointed it towards the two villains.
"Fly, Duke," he cried, "for the honour of your house, or I will kill you."
With a curse the Duke let go his revolver and cried out in German to his companion. Then in a moment the two slipped out of the open door of the carriage on to the footboard and disappeared. We saw them no more.
Don Juan and I turned at once to Brooks, who had sunk back with a groan on the cushions.
"Are you hurt, my poor man," asked the Don; "have they stabbed you?"
"Yes, sir," he answered faintly, with his hand to his side. "They've about done for me, but I'm glad I die fighting like a British soldier should. I'm glad I've wiped the old score out by saving my master and you, sir."
When a quarter of an hour later the train ran into Paddington poor Brooks lay back in a corner with set white face. He had had his wish; he had died like a British soldier.