“Now, you coward, we’re even!� he yelled. “Fight, if you’re not too ornery. Let’s see what you’re made of! Come on! Think I’m afraid, hey? I’ll show you! You yellow coward.�
The strange spectacle of an unarmed boy advancing toward him with something white wrapped around his head and making furious noises with his mouth, caused the lion to hesitate. But only for a moment. Then he leaped forward to meet this presumptuous being, and teach him respect for tearing claws and knife-like teeth.
Teddy braced himself for the shock. There was no thought of death in his mind—only that he would soon be at grips with an enemy whom he hated.
Through a red mist, the boy saw the roaring beast launch itself into the air. He saw the lips drawn back in a snarl of rage. He saw the forefeet close together, white, curving claws projecting from small rubber-like pads. He saw the eyes gleam wickedly.
Teddy put up his hands to ward off that hurtling body, and at that moment two sharp cracks came to his ears. He saw the lion’s body twitch. Automatically he dodged, and the beast struck his shoulder, dashing the boy to the ground. There was another crack, then another. Teddy rose dazedly to his feet. He looked down. On the rocky floor lay the lion—quivering, but stone dead.
From above there came a cry.
“We got him, Dad! Yay, Teddy! Are you all right? Teddy!�
Putting his hand to his head, the boy glanced up. What he saw caused quick tears of emotion to come to his eyes. Staring down at him, their faces alight with eagerness, stood his father and Roy.
“Dad! Roy!� Teddy cried weakly. He staggered to the wall and leaned against it. There was a lump in his throat that choked him, and try as he did, he could not keep the tears from starting to his eyes. This would never do. What would they think of him? He shook his head savagely and sunk his teeth into his lower lip. There, that helped! He looked up again.
“You sure timed your entrance,� he called, grinning bravely. “Quite a show!�