Ah!
It was well that he did! There she was now dropping from the
branches of a tree across the clearing and running swiftly toward
the ape-man. Tantor waited. He would let her reach Korak before
he charged--that would ensure that she had no chance of escape.
His little eyes blazed savagely. His tail was elevated stiffly.
He could scarce restrain a desire to trumpet forth his rage to
the world. Meriem was almost at Korak's side when Tantor saw the
long knife in her hand, and then he broke forth from the jungle,
bellowing horribly, and charged down upon the frail girl.
Chapter 27
Korak screamed commands to his huge protector, in an effort to
halt him; but all to no avail. Meriem raced toward the bordering
trees with all the speed that lay in her swift, little feet; but
Tantor, for all his huge bulk, drove down upon her with the rapidity
of an express train.
Korak lay where he could see the whole frightful tragedy. The cold
sweat broke out upon his body. His heart seemed to have stopped
its beating. Meriem might reach the trees before Tantor overtook
her, but even her agility would not carry her beyond the reach of
that relentless trunk--she would be dragged down and tossed.
Pages:
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464