He scrambled weakly to his feet.

Age burdened him heavily, but he did not want to die.

The three Fire-Men, who were now running forward from their forest ambush, could easily have got him, but they did not try.

Perhaps he was too old and tough.

But they did want the Hairless One and my sister, for as I looked back from the trees I could see the Fire-Men beating in their heads with rocks.