Broadbrim could not dodge.
The billet struck him in the face, and with a cry he dropped out of sight while the face of Old Danny was the last object he saw in the light of the lantern.
Broadbrim struck ground far below the stairs, and after hitting what appeared to be the sides of a narrow shaft.
But for this he would have fallen like a stone to the bottom of the well, and been killed at once.
As it was, he was stunned and for some time lay on his back unable to move.
Darkness surrounded him, and he could not see a bit of light from the lantern overhead.
How long he lay there he did not know when a light shot out of the gloom above him.
He saw the light swing back and forth, and then caught the impish grin of Old Danny's face.
The demon of Melbourne was leaning over the abyss, trying to inquire into his fate.