Then came the sound of a concussion, as if metal or wood had struck some part of a human frame, and then a stumble and fall.
After that a good many things all seemed to happen at once.

There was a sudden light, which showed Leon blinking with a short loaded life-preserver in his hand, and Heritage prone in front of him on the floor.

It also showed Dickson the figure of Dougal, and more than one Die-Hard in the background.

The light went out as suddenly as it had appeared.

There was a whistle and a hoarse "Come on, men," and then for two seconds there was a desperate silent combat.