It was Kulonga.
Kala did not wait to see more, but, turning, moved rapidly back
along the trail. She did not run; but, after the manner of her
kind when not aroused, sought rather to avoid than to escape.
Close after her came Kulonga. Here was meat. He could
make a killing and feast well this day. On he hurried, his
spear poised for the throw.
At a turning of the trail he came in sight of her again
upon another straight stretch. His spear hand went far back
the muscles rolled, lightning-like, beneath the sleek hide. Out
shot the arm, and the spear sped toward Kala.
A poor cast. It but grazed her side.
With a cry of rage and pain the she-ape turned upon her
tormentor. In an instant the trees were crashing beneath the
weight of her hurrying fellows, swinging rapidly toward the
scene of trouble in answer to Kala's scream.
As she charged, Kulonga unslung his bow and fitted an
arrow with almost unthinkable quickness. Drawing the shaft
far back he drove the poisoned missile straight into the heart
of the great anthropoid.
With a horrid scream Kala plunged forward upon her face
before the astonished members of her tribe.
Roaring and shrieking the apes dashed toward Kulonga,
but that wary savage was fleeing down the trail like a
frightened antelope.
He knew something of the ferocity of these wild, hairy
men, and his one desire was to put as many miles between
himself and them as he possibly could.
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