So it struck Louis Trudel, who snatched up a hot iron from the fire and rushed forward with a snarl.

So astounded was Charley that he did not stir.

He was not prepared for the sudden onslaught.

He did not put up his hand even, but stared at the tailor, who, within a foot of him, stopped short with the iron poised.
Louis Trudel repented in time.

With the cunning of the monomaniac he realised that an attack now might frustrate his great stroke.