The Mungana fought like a wild-cat, but Jeekie was too strong for him.

His fingers held the man's windpipe like a vise.

He choked and weakened; the knife fell from his hand.

He sank to the ground and lay there helpless, whereon Jeekie knelt upon his chest and, possessing himself of the knife, held it within an inch of his heart.
It was at this juncture that Alan woke up and asked sleepily what was the matter.
"Nothing, Major," answered Jeekie in low and cheerful tones.

"Snake just going to bite you and I catch him, that all," and he gave an extra squeeze to the Mungana's throat, who turned black in the face and rolled his eyes.
"Be careful, Jeekie, or you will kill the man," exclaimed Alan, recognizing the Mungana and taking in the situation.
"Why not, Major?
He want kill you, and me too afterwards.