Fortunately for them, for its part, the beast would not let go of Jerry, and having only one sound arm, could but snap at its assailants, for if it had lifted a foot to rend them, its top-heavy bulk would have caused it to tumble over.
At length it seemed to realise this, and hurled Jerry away, knocking down Brother John and Hans with his body.

Then it leapt on Mavovo, who, seeing it come, placed the copper socket of the spear against his own breast, with the result that when the gorilla tried to crush him, the point of the spear was driven into its carcase.

Feeling the pain, it unwound its arm from about Mavovo, knocking Stephen over with the backward sweep.

Then it raised its great hand to crush Mavovo with a blow, as I believe gorillas are wont to do.
This was the chance for which I was waiting.

Up till that moment I had not dared to fire, fearing lest I should kill one of my companions.