"It was the blow on the head—slight concussion, I think."

"And you stands up to him like—"

"You mean I ran away like a coward."

"He was twice as big as you—"

"No matter! Cowardice is always despicable, more especially in defence of one of the weaker sex," said I dismally.

"But you saves me, to be sure!"

At this I strove to rise in sheer amazement and thus found my head pillowed in her lap.

"How did I save you?" I demanded bitterly. "I that am a craven!"

"By giving me the chance to reach my little churi. However, I was never once afraid of the beast."

"I was!" I confessed miserably. "Afraid beyond words!"