I got one fair blow at the side of its head, a blow that would have smashed the skull of any civilized beast into pieces, and which did fortunately break the brute's jaw; then in an instant he was upon me, and I was fighting for life.

My hunting knife was out, and with my left hand I had the beast by the throat; while with my right I tried to drive my knife into its ribs.

My bullet had gone through his chest.

The impetus of his charge bad knocked me over, and we rolled on the ground, he tearing with his claws at my shoulder and arm, I stabbing and struggling; my great effort being to keep my knees up so as to protect my body with them from his bind claws.

After the first blow with his paw which laid my shoulder open, I do not think I felt any special pain whatever.