I was never nearer my end than in that fraction of time while the weapon came up to the aim.

It was scarcely a second, but it was enough for Colin.

The dog had kept my side, and had stood docilely by me while Laputa spoke.

The truth is, he must have been as tired as I was.

As the Kaffirs approached to lay hands on me he had growled menacingly, but when I spoke again he had stopped.