Gerald dodged him, and tried to escape. For a time he succeeded in eluding the grasp of his antagonist, and the delay only infuriated Amsden the more.
At last he managed to catch Gerald, and with a savage cry of triumph bore him to the ground.
“Now I’ve got you!” he exclaimed, “and I’m goin’ to pound you till you won’t know where you are.”
He pinioned Gerald to the earth, and the boy would have fared very badly, but for the timely assistance of his guest.
Jake Amsden was preparing to carry out his threat, when something unexpected happened, and he was under the impression that he had been struck by a cyclone. The English tourist had been awakened by the discussion, and comprehending from what he heard that Gerald was in a tight place, he hastily threw on his clothes, and at the right time darted out of the cabin, seized Jake by the collar with one hand while with the other he planted a blow in his face, nearly stunned him, and dragging him from Gerald hurled him forcibly upon the ground six feet away.
“Jumpin’ Jehosaphat! What have I struck?” muttered Jake, looking around stupidly, as he lay on his back without attempting to get up.
“Allow me to introduce myself,” said the Englishman. “I am the Hon. Noel Brooke of England.”—Page [93].