But Dad dared not relax his grip.

Paddy Maloney ran behind the brute several times to lay him out with a waddy, but each time he turned and fled before striking the blow.

Dad thought to force matters, and began kicking his assailant vigorously in the stomach.

Such dull, heavy thuds! The kangaroo retaliated, putting Dad on the defensive.

Dad displayed remarkable suppleness about the hips.
At last the brute fixed his deadly toe in Dad's belt.
It was an anxious moment, but the belt broke, and Dad breathed freely again.