Then I saw that now was the time to smite him, lest when he had killed her he should kill me also.

So I lifted the Watcher and sprang into the cave, having it in my mind to slay the wolf before he lifted up his head.

But he heard my footsteps, or perhaps my shadow fell upon him.
Loosing his grip, he looked up, this father of wolves; then, making no sound, he sprang straight at my throat.
"I saw him, and whirling the Watcher aloft, I smote with all my strength.

The blow met him in mid-air; it fell full on his chest and struck him backwards to the earth.

But there he would not say, for, rising before I could smite again, once more he sprang at me.