The blacksnake whirled through the air again and fell with a sharp slap like two broad hands clapped together, but Borgson did not cry out.

His body writhed mutely, and down his back appeared a red mark.

The whip whirled again and fell, this time bringing a stifled curse for a response.

Once more it whirled, and this time merely cracked in the air.

Again and again an idle snap in the air.