They rolled over and over a couple of times, until Nick, finding himself momentarily on top, brought them to a stop. So awkward were their positions that neither was able to strike an effective blow at the other.
Nick had the upper hand temporarily, however, and proceeded to wrench himself loose. He had been busily engaged in this when Willard had rushed to Grantley’s assistance.
That put still another face on the situation at once.
CHAPTER XI.
NICK’S EXTREMITY.
The newcomer saw his opportunity and snatched up a chair as he rushed toward the tangled combatants.
Nick heard him coming, but did not have time to extricate himself from Grantley’s dogged grasp.
He raised his weapon, though, and was about to fire at Willard, when he saw that the latter was directly between him and Helga Lund. Under the circumstances, the detective did not dare to fire for fear of hitting the actress.
He kept Grantley down as best he could with his left hand, and waited for Willard with his right hand still extended, holding the automatic.
He might have an opportunity to fire, but, if not, he could at least partially ward off the expected blow from the chair.
Just as Willard paused and swung the chair aloft, Grantley managed partially to dislodge the detective, with the result that Nick was obliged to lower his right arm quickly. Otherwise he would undoubtedly have lost his balance completely, and the surgeon-convict would have had the upper hand in another second or two.