Two thirds of the distance to the cliff and the huge wolf's muzzle was at Miki's flank.

With a burst of speed Miki gained a little.

Then steadily Lightning drew abreast of him, a grim and merciless shadow of doom.
A hundred yards farther on and a little to the right was the cairn.

But Miki could not run to the right without turning into Lightning's jaws, and he realized now that if he reached the cairn his enemy would be upon him before he could dive into the tunnel and face about.

To stop and fight would be death, for behind he could hear the other wolves.
Ten seconds more and the chasm of the river yawned ahead of them.
At its very brink Miki swung and struck at Lightning.