Nick saw his danger in a flash, though; drew his head and shoulders sharply inward and downward, and at the same time grasped one of Grantley’s thighs with his left hand.
The result would have been ludicrous under almost any other circumstances. The detective’s lowered head went, in turn, between Grantley’s legs, and their intertwined bodies formed a wheel, such as trained athletes sometimes contrive.
This countermove of Nick’s was as much of a surprise to the surgeon as the latter’s curious mode of attack had been to the detective.
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 XXXIV.
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.