Darting it out, I snatched at the letter.
Rupert, alarmed for his treasure, sprang back and off me.

I also sprang up on my feet, hurling away the fellow who had gripped my other hand.
For a moment I stood facing Rupert; then I darted on him.

He was too quick for me; he dodged behind the man with the lantern and hurled the fellow forward against me.

The lantern fell on the ground.
"Give me your stick!" I heard Rupert say.

"Where is it?
That's right!" Then came Rischenheim's voice again, imploring and timid: "Rupert, you promised not to kill him." The only answer was a short, fierce laugh.