They waited for nothing, but each of the three detectives selected a man and toppled him over with blows. The onslaught had been so rapid, and so vicious, as well as unexpected, that the men were hardly prepared to defend themselves. Nick sprang to the bedside and, whirling the man who stood there aside, and who, as they subsequently learned, was a physician, said to the prostrate man: “We are your friends, Mr. Ellison.” He could see the man’s eyes flash with intelligence and, whipping out a knife, Nick cut the bands that confined him and, thrusting a revolver in his hand, said: “Help to defend yourself.” Ellison sprang from the bed as soon as his feet were released, while Nick turned to help Chick and Patsy, on whom the men, now recovered from their confusion, were attempting to make a combined attack. They had been joined in the meantime by Dempsey. Chick recognized him at once, and he went at that man, who had already drawn a revolver, striking him in the face with the butt end of his own. Ellison joined them instantly, and, weak as he was, quickly showed his fighting power. Though there were seven of them in the room, the four soon overcame them, driving them before them out of the room and into the passageway. There they were at the mercy of the four behind them, for the way was narrow, and in their efforts to escape they blocked each other against the wall. There were broken heads in plenty, but they managed to reach the bridge, some of them escaping over it and some down the winding stairs, among them Clowes, who, recovering consciousness, ran away. The four went down the stairs into the courtyard, but by the time they had reached it the men who had fled from them had entirely disappeared. The coach was still standing there, the driver sitting contentedly on his box, while Lannigan was sitting on the pavement. For a moment Nick could not imagine what he was doing there, and thought that he must be yet dazed with the blow he had given him. But, passing the heads of the horses, he saw the reason for Lannigan’s attitude. Ida was sitting on the coach step covering him with a revolver, having threatened to put a ball into him if he stirred. “Get up, Lannigan,” said Nick. “You can put up that revolver, Ida.” Turning to Ellison, Nick said: “Mr. Ellison, I was only commissioned to discover the mystery of your disappearance and find you. I shall not attempt to do anything to these rascals on my commission. It is for you to determine whether you will make a charge against them and arrest them. I want to say to you that if you care to consider the wishes of Mr. Sanborn and the lady you married yesterday, you will do nothing. It is for you to determine whether you can go clean handed to your friends.” “I think I understand you,” said Mr. Ellison, “you refer to the story of my having been married some years ago in England.” “I do,” replied Nick.