They had no thought of an adventure, but one awaited them.

 

As they were turning the corner of a narrow street, their attention was suddenly excited by a sharp cry of blended surprise and fright.

 

"What is it, Jack²?" asked Harry³, grasping his companion by the arm.

 

He did not need to await a reply, for by the indistinct light he saw two men struggling a few rods further on. One appeared to be an old man, with white hair, the other was a man of middle age. Clearly it was a case of attempted robbery.

 

"Run, Jack, run!" said Harry, in excitement. "Let us help the old man!"

 

"I'm with you," answered the young sailor briefly⁴.

 

Harry had in his hand a heavy cane—his only weapon—but he did not stop to consider the personal risk he was running. As he drew near, the old man, whose feeble strength was quite unequal to a conflict with a man so much younger, swayed and fell backward. His assailant bent⁵ over him, and despite his feeble resistance began to search his pockets, at the same time indulging in savage⁶ threats. The old man gave himself up for lost, but help was nearer than he anticipated.

 

So occupied was the villain⁷ with his disgraceful work that he did not hear the approaching footsteps.

 

His first intimation of them came in a sounding blow over his shoulders, given by Harry's stick, which was laid on with a good will.

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