Now he shouted excitedly
for Korak to come back, for he knew that in the sacred arena the
other bulls might be expected to come to the assistance of their
king against an outsider, though there was small likelihood that
the king would need assistance. Once those mighty jaws closed
upon the boy's soft neck the end would come quickly. To leap to
his rescue would mean death for Akut, too; but the brave old ape
never hesitated. Bristling and growling, he dropped to the sward
just as the king ape charged.
The beast's hands clutched for their hold as the animal sprang upon
the lad. The fierce jaws were wide distended to bury the yellow
fangs deeply in the brown hide. Korak, too, leaped forward to meet
the attack; but leaped crouching, beneath the outstretched arms.
At the instant of contact the lad pivoted on one foot, and with
all the weight of his body and the strength of his trained muscles
drove a clenched fist into the bull's stomach. With a gasping
shriek the king ape collapsed, clutching futilely for the agile,
naked creature nimbly sidestepping from his grasp.
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