woman calmly went on screaming. The scream became touched with
triumph as more crashing was heard in the brush.

Saxon saw Billy's slow eyes glint suddenly to the hardness of
steel, and at the same time she saw him put pressure on his
wrist-holds. The woman released her grip on Mary and was shoved
back and free. Then the first man of the rescue was upon them. He
did not pause to inquire into the merits of the affair. It was
sufficient that he saw the woman reeling away from Billy and
screaming with pain that was largely feigned.

"It's all a mistake," Billy cried hurriedly. "We apologize,
sport--"

The Irishman swung ponderously. Billy ducked, cutting his apology
short, and as the sledge-like fist passed over his head, he drove
his left to the other's jaw. The big Irishman toppled over
sidewise and sprawled on the edge of the slope. Half-scrambled
back to his feet and out of balance, he was caught by Bert's
fist, and this time went clawing down the slope that was slippery
with short, dry grass. Bert was redoubtable. "That for you, old
girl--my compliments," was his cry, as he shoved the woman over
the edge on to the treacherous slope. Three more men were
emerging from the brush.

In the meantime, Billy had put Saxon in behind the protection of
the picnic table. Mary, who was hysterical, had evinced a desire
to cling to him, and he had sent her sliding across the top of
the table to Saxon.