In that instant the lynx struck.

The blow was like a flash of light.

The paw, with rigid claws curving like talons, shot under the tender belly and came back with a swift ripping movement.

Had the porcupine been entirely unrolled, or had it not discovered its enemy a fraction of a second before the blow was struck, the paw would have escaped unscathed; but a side-flick of the tail sank sharp quills into it as it was withdrawn.
Everything had happened at once--the blow, the counter-blow, the squeal of agony from the porcupine, the big cat's squall of sudden hurt and astonishment.

One Eye half arose in his excitement, his ears up, his tail straight out and quivering behind him.