Then number one was at him again, and got him by the throat, with a grip
from which Nick thrice wrenched himself free, at the same time fiercely
banging the head of the other upon the stones upon which the terrific
combat was being waged.

An oath of vicious rage broke from the latter, and then he fiercely
cried again:

"The pear! D---- you, be quick! The pear!--the pear!"

As if in response to this, Nick, who was panting under his violent
efforts to overcome both powerful men, suddenly felt something thrust
forcibly into his mouth.

Still manfully battling with his opponents, Nick tried to eject the
object, opening his jaws wider in the effort.

The object, which was shaped like a solid pear, instantly expanded, and
Nick could not close his jaws.

Again he tried, opening them still wider, and again the pear-shaped
object expanded and held them rigid.

Then Nick guessed the truth.

While struggling with might and main to beat these ruffians, he had been
made the victim of an infernal instrument but seldom seen in these days,
and one of the most agonizing and diabolical devices of man's perverted
ingenuity.