He would watch for an opportunity, take advantage of the Frenchman, as Croisset had taken advantage of him, but he would not hurt him seriously.

It should be as fair a struggle as Jean had offered him, and with the handicap in his favor the best man would win.
On the morning of the fourth day Howland was awakened by a sound that came through the aperture in the wall.

It was the sharp yelping bark of a dog, followed an instant later by the sharper crack of a whip, and a familiar voice.
Jean Croisset had returned! With a single leap he was out of his bunk.

Half dressed he darted to the door, and crouched there, the muscles of his arms tightening, his body tense with the gathering forces within him.
The spur of the moment had driven him to quick decision.

His opportunity would come when Jean Croisset passed through that door!.