Extreme care was necessary, for the lurcher, driven to desperation, was turning his antagonist round and round. Kirkwood, his whole energies devoted to twisting the animal's neck, was unable to counteract the dog's movements, nor did the animal remain sufficiently still to enable Barcroft to plant the muzzle of his weapon firmly against its ribs.
The end came with unexpected suddenness.
With a distinctly audible crash the lurcher's vertebra snapped. Its body seemed instantly to grow limp. The sudden cessation of resistance caused Kirkwood to fall forward across the still quivering body of his enemy.
Barcroft lifted his chum and set him on his feet. The A.P., now the duel with death was done, was as pale as a sheet and trembling in every limb.
"I'll be all right in a minute," he gasped. "Feel as ill as a seasick cat."
"Sit down," ordered Billy, and grasping his comrade by the nape of the neck he bent his head until it rested on his knees.
"Keep like that a while," he continued. "I'll get rid of incriminating evidence. My word, what a lump!" he added, as he lifted the dead brute by its hind legs. "Half a hundredweight, I should imagine."
Keeping the carcass clear of the ground the flight-sub carried it quite fifty yards through the wood before depositing it under a bush.
This necessary task performed, he retraced his steps.
"Chirpy again?" he inquired.