The Broad Highway - Page 252/374

So once again fists were clenched and jaws set--once again came

the trampling of feet, the hiss of breath, and the thudding shock

of blows given and taken.

A sudden, jarring impact--the taste of sulphur on my tongue--a

gathering darkness before my eyes, and, knowing this was the end,

I strove desperately to close with him; but I was dazed, blind

--my arms fell paralyzed, and, in that moment, the Smith's right

fist drove forward. A jagged flame shot up to heaven--the earth

seemed to rush up towards me--a roaring blackness engulfed me,

and then--silence.