His uncannily wise brain and his dauntless courage were all that remained of his ancient prowess.

And this brain and pluck told him his one chance of checking the sow's charge on the Mistress was to hurl himself full at her.
His impetus, which had knock him flat, scarce slowed down the pig's lurching rush; scarce enabled the frightened Mistress to recoil a step.
Then, the sow was lunging at her again, over the prostrate dog's body.
But, even as he fell, Lad had gathered his feet under him.

And the shock which knocked him breathless did not make the wise brain waver in its plan of campaign.

Before he sought to rise, up drove his bared teeth, at the sow that was plunging across him.

And those teeth clove deep into her pinkish nostrils;--well-nigh the only vulnerable spot, (as Lad knew) in her bristling pigskin armor.
Lad got his grip.