was down again, laid
out by blows on the nose and jugular. Then again the guard kicked
Coutlass, driving him back under the table from which he was trying to
emerge on all fours.

The second Greek looked more dangerous. His face grew dark with rage
as the lips receded from his yellow teeth. He reached toward his boot,
but judged there were too many witnesses for knife work and rushed in
suddenly, yelling something in Greek to Coutlass as he picked up a
chair to brain the guard with. He swung the chair, but the guard met
it with another one, dodged him, and tripped him as he passed. In
another second it was his turn to be kicked in the ribs until he yelled
for mercy. (An extra large dinner and all those assorted drinks in
addition to what they had had in the train made neither man's wind
good.)

No mercy was forthcoming. He was kicked, more and more violently,
until the need of crawling through the door to safety dawned on his
muddled wits and he made his exit from the room snake fashion. By that
time Coutlass was on his feet, and he too elected to force the issue
with a chair. The guard sprang at the chair as Coutlass raised it,
bore it down, and drove his fist hard home into the Greek's right eye
three times running.

"'Ave you 'ad enough?" he demanded, making ready for another assault.
The Goanese had recovered and staggered to his feet to interfere, but
Coutlass yielded.

"All right," he said, "why should I fight a little man? I surrender to
save bloodshed!"

"Put your 'ands out, then!"

Coutlass obeyed, and was handcuffed ignominiously.

"Outside, you!"

A savage kick landed in exactly the place where the Goanese least
expected and most resented it. He flew through the door as if the
train had started, and then another kick jolted Coutlass.

"Forward, march! Left-right-left-right!"

With hands manacled in front and the inexorable bantam guard behind,
Coutlass came and stood before the railway official, who at last
condescended not to seem engrossed in his accounts.

"'Ere he is, sir!"

"I suppose you know, my man, that I have magisterial powers on this
railway?" said the official.

Coutlass glowered but said nothing.

"This is not the first time you have made yourself a nuisance. You
broke dishes the last time you were here."

"That is long ago," Coutlass objected. "That was on the day the place
was first opened to the public. There was a celebration. Every one
was drunk."

"