his muscles stiffened for a spring. there was little chance of its being effective, but at least it would be good to put up some kind of a fight. and he had a faint hope that the suddenness of his movement might upset the other's aim. he was bound to be hit somewhere. that was certain. but quickness might save him to some extent. he braced his leg against the back of the cab. and, as he did so, its smooth speed changed to a series of jarring jumps, each more emphatic than the last.