In mid air, just as his jaws were about to close on the man, he received a shock that checked his body and brought his teeth together with an agonizing clip.

He whirled over, fetching the ground on his back and side.

He had never been struck by a club in his life, and did not understand.

With a snarl that was part bark and more scream he was again on his feet and launched into the air.

And again the shock came and he was brought crushingly to the ground.