ntured first I had him pinned tight, and we
strained back and forth across the cabin deck, neither able to throw the
other, in grim, relentless struggle. My fingers were wrenched from his
throat, yet the fellow made no outcry, realizing doubtless he would not
be heard. His eyes blazed with hate, merciless, vindictive, and he
struggled like a fiend to break free. I saw the girl, still dazed from
her fall, struggling to her feet, with face uplifted, then my every
consideration was riveted on my antagonist. This was to be no boy's
play, no easy victory; his muscles were like iron, his movements so quick
and unexpected as to put me on the defensive. I could only hold tight,
braced for the strain, yet forced back in spite of every effort, inch by
inch across the floor, my feet tangled in the rug. Neither could strike,
nor kick; I was weaponless, and I dare not release his arms for fear he
might possess a gun. Once I bent him back until he seemed helpless, yet,
by some trick, he wiggled free, and thrust me against the desk, its
corner gouging into my side. The pain gave me superhuman strength, and I
swung him sideways, the two of us tripping over the chair, and coming
down heavily on the deck. By some luck I landed on top, and, before he
recovered from the shock, had wrenched one arm free, locking my fingers
in his throat.

He squirmed under me like an eel, but could not break the grip, his face
purpling, until he lost all power. Fierce as the battle had been I
retained sufficient sense to loosen my death grip while the man still
breathed, lifting my head sufficiently to glance about. My own breath
came in sobs, and the perspiration almost blinded me.

"Bring me something to tie him with," I said brokenly. "Anything; yes,
that belt will do."

She tore it from the hook on the wall, and thrust it into my hands. With
a single movement I had it buckled securely about his arms, and was free
to sit up, and stare about. A cord from the portiere curtain draping the
bathroom entrance completed his lashings. With wicked eyes he stared up
at me, unable to move a muscle.

"By God, Craig!" he snarled, "you'll both wish you 'd killed me before ye
're done with this job."

I made no reply, using the corner of the desk to help me get to my feet.

"Do you hear!" he shouted. "What chance have you got to get away?"

"That is for me to decide," I answered. "But if you open your mouth
again I 'll gag you. Now stop it; the