The next instant he was treated to a surprise, for Gray jerked him forward and simultaneously his empty palm struck the fellow a blinding, a resounding smack.

Twice he smote that reddened cheek with the sound of an explosion, then, as the victim flung his body backward, Gray kicked his feet from under him.

Again he cuffed the fellow's face, this time from the other side.

When he finally desisted the stranger rocked in his tracks; he shook his head; he blinked and he cursed; it was a moment before he could focus his whirling sight upon his assailant.

When he succeeded it was to behold the latter staring at him with a mocking, threatening smile.
The drunken man hesitated, he cast a slow glance around the room, then muttering, hoarsely, he turned and made for the door.