He saw that the monster’s folds were tightening about Pomp, and that he was likely to be killed in quick order.
A frenzy seized Harding
“I will save you, Pomp,” he cried, desperately. “Don’t give up hope.”
Then drawing a huge sheath knife he rushed upon the snake.
He made a blow at the monster’s head.
He missed it, but drew a tremendous spurt of blood from the snake’s body. Again and again Harding slashed at the reptile’s body.
He believed that if he could sever the mighty coil he could save Pomp’s life.
In this he was right. The darky struggled, but his efforts were those of a child in that powerful grip.
The snake made repeated blows at Harding with its head.
But the plucky gold seeker dodged them every time and kept at work with the knife.