The Mad Man of the Moon gave a low snarl, and sprang at the throat of the intruder.
Then began a wrestling match between the two, made terrible by the time and place, by the bestial noises of my would-be murderer, and by the knowledge I somehow had, that this duel was to the death.
Back and forth they strained and fought. I had looked to see my enemy snap like a reed in Zobo’s iron grip, but I soon found the demon the creature served had given it unholy powers. It was supple like a snake, and its muscles were of steel. I saw great drops of sweat stand out upon the bare body of the Queen’s servant, and, too, the veins in his forehead stand out like whipcord, with the strain of the conflict.
The unclean Thing bit, and foamed at the mouth, and strove with a devil’s strength and a man’s cunning for the mastery. Zobo fought with a kind of grim patience; while I, chained hand and foot, waited helpless for the issue.
Suddenly a cloud passed before the moon, and I saw the Mad Man falter. It was only for an instant, but that instant the Keeper of the Seal was quick to seize.
He gripped my foe by the throat, and the two fell, rolling over and over on the hard ground, not far from where I lay.
The man-beast writhed in fury, and tore at the hands that held him, but in vain. I saw his head fall limply back, and his limbs relax. Zobo, with a deep breath, let go his hold, and I beheld on his face a look of mingled fear and loathing for the deed he had done.
Then I looked back on the prostrate form of mine enemy, and I cried out in warning, for the Mad Man had but feigned death.
Quick as thought, the Queen’s soldier turned also, but too late. Izab had seized a stone that lay at hand, and the missile struck Zobo full on the forehead as he tried to rise. The Keeper of the Seal fell backward and was still. I looked to see my enemy rise and trample on the prostrate body, but it was not to be.
The Mad Man’s arms moved once above his head; a hoarse, guttural murmur came from beneath his clenched teeth.