He alighted in a ditch, which had been partly filled by the rain. Almost suffocated, he crawled out of the ditch, only to find himself grasped by several brawny hands.
The truth flashed upon him. The smashing of his car had been deliberately planned.
While he was struggling with his captors he thought to himself: “This is some more work of Jack Weeden.”
He struggled for a few minutes with a semblance of resistance; he did not want to display too much strength before he had time to reflect.
His captors thought that his fall had taken his strength, and very slightly loosened their hold on him.
This was exactly what Nick had wanted them to do.
With a sudden wrench he tore himself free, and gave the man nearest to him a smashing blow in the face that sent him to the ground.
It was a good beginning.
He rained blow after blow on those nearest him, until he had cleared a circle.
Then, for the first time, did the would-be assassins give vent to their feelings. They raved and cursed as they saw him fell one after another of their comrades.