But Colwyn's companion did not wait for the matter to be put to the test.

At the first movement of the young man he sprang to his feet and, without waiting to see whether Colwyn was following him, raced across the room and caught the young man by the arm while he was yet some feet away from the clergyman's table.

The young man struggled desperately in his grasp for some moments, then suddenly collapsed and fell inert in the other's arms.

Colwyn walked over to the spot in time to see his portly companion lay the young man down on the carpet and bend over to loosen his collar.
The young man lay apparently unconscious on the floor, breathing stertorously, with convulsed features and closed eyes.

After the lapse of some minutes he opened his eyes, glanced listlessly at the circle of frightened people who had gathered around him, and feebly endeavoured to sit up.