The next second he observed the threat of attack, and ducked his head so that the spanner only grazed his scalp.

The motor-bicycle toppled over, its owner sprang to his feet, and found the short man, very pale and gasping, about to renew the assault.

In such a crisis there was no time for inquiry, and the cyclist was well trained in self-defence.

He leaped the prostrate bicycle, and before his assailant could get in a blow brought his left fist into violent contact with his chin.

Dickson tottered a step or two and then subsided among the bracken.
He did not lose his senses, but he had no more strength in him.