He was stronger than I--greasier--sweatier--harder to hold.

He slipped from under me, rolled on top, wrenched his wrist free, and in another second grinned in my face as, with both knees in my stomach, he raised the spear to kill.

I shut my eyes.

I had not another breath left, nor an effort in me, I thought I would deny him the pleasure of watching my death agony.
But I could not keep my eyes shut.

Opening them to see why he did not strike, I saw Kazimoto with my rifle in both hands swing for his skull with the full weight of the butt and all his strength.