His eyes were wide and wondering, like those of a child.

The iron-hard hand struck him full on the mouth, fairly lifted him from his feet, and flung him against the wall with such violence that he recoiled again and fell forward onto his knees.

Silent was making beast noises in his throat and preparing to rush on the half-prostrate figure.

He stopped short.
Dan was laughing.

At least that chuckling murmur was near to a laugh.
Yet there was no mirth in it.