Strong as Philip was, he found
himself placed perfectly on the defensive by the terrific grip which
this furious opponent held of his throat. So powerful was it, indeed,
that not a single instant was allowed him for the exercise of any
aggressive violence against her by a blow, all his strength being
directed to unclasp her hands from his throat that he might be permitted
to breathe. As they pulled and tugged, however, it was evident that the
struggle was going against him--a hoarse, alarming howl once or twice
broke from him, that intimated terror and distress on his part.
"That's right, Kate," they shouted, "you have him--press tight--the
windpipe's goin'--bravo! he'll soon stagger an' come down, an' then you
may do as you like."
They tugged on, and dragged, and panted, with the furious vehemence of
the exertion; when at length Philip shouted, in a voice half-stifled by
strangulation, "Let g--o--o--o, I--I sa--y--y; ah! ah! ah!"
Bat now ran over in a spirit of glee and triumph that cannot well be
described, and clapping his wife on the back, shouted--"Well done,
Kate; stick to him for half a minute and he's yours. Bravo! you clip o'
perdition, bravo!"
He had scarcely uttered the words when the giant carcass of Philip
tottered and fell, dragging Kate along with it, who never for a moment
lost or loosened her hold.
Pages:
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303