He smote to the right and the left, and so swiftly that men could scarcely see the blows fall, for he struck with Groan-Maker's beak.

But though men scarcely saw the blows, yet, my father, men fell beneath them.

Now foes were all around, leaping up at the Slaughterer as rushing water leaps to hide a rock--everywhere shone spears, thrusting at him from this side and from that.

Those in front and to the side Groan-Maker served to stay, but one wounded Umslopogaas in the neck, and another was lifted to pierce his back when the strength of its holder was bowed to the dust--to the dust, to become of the dust.
For now the Wolf was through the hole also, and the Watcher grew very busy; he was so busy that soon the back of the Slaughterer had nothing to fear--yet those had much to fear who stood behind his back.

The pair fought bravely, making a great slaughter, and presently, one by one, plumed heads of the People of the Axe showed through the burrow and strong arms mingled in the fray.