Thus it came about that soon they began to roll down hill fixed to each other as though by ropes, and gathering speed at every turn.

Doubtless, the end of this would have been Ralph's defeat, and perhaps his death, for I think that, furious as he was, Black Piet would certainly have killed him had he found himself the master.

But it chanced that his hand was stayed, and thus.

Near the bottom of the slope lay a sharp stone, and as they rolled in their fierce struggle, Piet's head struck against this stone so that for a few moments he was rendered helpless.

Feeling the grip of his arms loosen, Ralph freed himself, and running to the sjambock snatched it from the ground.