But, though like J. Fitz-James, "taught abroad his arms to wield," Van Morris had likewise used his legs to wrestle in England, and had moreover seen _la savatte_ in France. With a quick turn of his head, the blow passed heavily, but harmlessly, by his cheek. At the same instant his foot shot swiftly out, close to the ground, and with a sharp sweep from right to left, cut his opponent's heels from under him, as a sickle cuts weeds, sprawling him backwards upon the pavement. Drawing the girl swiftly through the breach thus made, Morris placed her behind him and turned to face the men again. They made no rush, as he had expected; so he spoke quickly: "You'd better pick up your friend and be off. You don't look like boys who would care to sleep in the station," he said, "and here comes the patrol wagon." They needed no second warning, nor stood upon the order of their going. The downed man was on his feet; and it was devil take the hind-most to the first corner. For the rumbling of heavy wheels and the clang of heavy hoofs upon the Belgian blocks were drawing nearer. To Van's relief, for he hated a scene, it proved to be only a "night-liner" cab, though with rattle enough for a field battery; but to his tipsy antagonists it had more terror than a park of Parrot guns. "Can I do anything more for you?" he asked the girl; then suddenly: "You're not the sort to be out alone at this hour of the night. Are you in trouble?" "Oh, indeed I am!" she answered, with a sob; again illogical, and breaking down when the danger was over. "What _must_ you think of me? But mother was suddenly _so_ ill, and father and sister were at a ball, and the servants slipped away, too. I dared not wait, so I ran out alone to fetch Doctor Mordant. _Please_ believe me, for--" "Hello, Cab!" broke in Van. "Certainly I believe you," he answered the girl, as the cab pulled up with that eager jerk of the driver's elbows, eloquent of fare scented afar off. "I'll go with you for Doctor Mordant, and then see you home." "Why, is that _you_, Mr. Morris?" cried Cabby, with a salute of his whip _a la militaire;_ but he muttered to himself, "Well, I _never_!" as he jumped from the box and held the door wide. "That's enough, Murphy," Van said shortly. "Now, jump in, Miss, and I'll--" But the girl shrank back, and drew the shawl closer round her face. "No, I won't either. Pardon my thoughtlessness; for it isn't exactly the hour to be driving alone with a fellow, I know. But you can trust Murphy perfectly. Dennis, drive this lady to Dr. Mordant's and then home again, just as fast as your team can carry her!" And he half lifted the girl into the carriage. "That I will, Mr. Van," Murphy replied cheerily, as he clambered to his seat. The girl stretched out two cold, red little hands, and clasped his fur-gloved one frankly.