Втрачений континент: історія Атлантиди
7. The Biters Of The Walls (Further Account)
Theothertigersprangalsoandmissed,andagaintherewereshoutsofpleasure,whichmingledwiththebellowingvoicesofthebeasts.Themanlaymotionlessinhisform.Onemorecowardly,oronemorebrave,mighthaverunfromdeath,orfacedit;butthispoorprisonerchosethemiddlecourse—hepermitteddeathtocometohim,andhadenoughofdoggednesstowaitforitwithoutstir.
Thegreatcave-tigerswereused,itappeared,tothisdisgustingsport.Therewerenomorewildsprings,nomorestubbingsattheendofthemassivechains.Theylaydownonthepavement,andpresentlybegantopurr,rollingontotheirsidesandrubbingthemselvesluxuriously.Theprisonerstilllaymotionlessinhisform.
Byslowdegreesthemonstrousbruteseachdrewtotheendofitschainandbegantoreachatthemanwithout-stretchedforepaw.Themalecouldnottouchhim;thefemalecouldjustreachhimwiththefartipofaclaw;andIsawaredscratchstartupinthebareskinofhissideateverystroke.Butstilltheprisonerwouldnotstir.Itseemedtomethattheymustslackoutmorelinksofoneofthetigers’chains,orletthevileplaylingerintomeretediousness.
ButIhadmoretolearnyet.Themaletiger,eithertaughtbyhisowndevilishness,orbythosebrutesthatwerehiskeepers,hadstillanotherruseinstore.Herosetohisfeetandturnedround,backingagainstthechain.Ayellofapplausefromthehiddenmenbehindthearrow-slitstoldthattheyknewwhatwasinstore;andthenthemonstrousbeast,stretchedtotheutmostofitsvastlength,kickedsharplywithonehindpaw.
