Without a sound Jean staggered back, tottered for a moment on his feet, and fell to the floor.

Fifty seconds later he opened his eyes to find his hands bound behind his back and Howland standing at his feet.
"_Mon Dieu_, but that was a good one!" he gasped, after he had taken a long breath or two.

"Will you teach it to me, M'seur ?" "Get up!" commanded Howland.

"I have no time to waste, Croisset." He caught the Frenchman by the shoulders and helped him to a chair near the table.

Then he took possession of the other's weapons, including the revolver which Jean had taken from him, and began to dress.