Jesse sought to free himself from the killing embrace.
He was a second too late.
Again the mighty club was swung on high.
It landed fair on the bandit's head.
The world's greatest desperado toppled over the form of his antagonist, with a subdued moan.
Jesse did not move.
UNDER THE BRANDING IRON.
"Take that rock off my head," Jesse caught himself mumbling as he slowly returned to consciousness.