had fashioned his first bow and arrow,and knew it would be a matter of time before he was taught the rest.There was but one fly in the ointment, Ed Finster. As yet he had nomate. And he looked with avaricious eyes on Sala.
It was on the fourth day.
Allerdyce had returned from the hunt. He had killed an animal with hisarrow and the tribe looked on him with respect. As he neared his cavehe heard shrieks of pain and anger. And as he watched with amazement,Ed Finster appeared, dragging Sala by her hair. His action wasinstinctive. Rushing forward, he threw his bow to one side and knockedEd to the ground.
Immediately a circle of warriors were drawn about the two men andGomar stepped forward.
"It is time," he said. "I have wondered about this. A combat of armswill settle it. Whoever wins will have the woman ... and his freedom."
As they stood facing each other, Finster turned aside as though to saysomething to Gomar. Allerdyce relaxed naturally. But Finster had doneit with that view in mind. Like a flash he whirled on Allerdyce andgrabbed a headlock. It would have ended right then had not both menbeen barefoot. For Allerdyce had not stiffened his neck muscles. ButFinster stepped on a thorn and the shock made him loosen his grip foran instant. It was enough for Allerdyce to break free.
There were no more surprises.
Bit by bit Allerdyce wore the other down. At last he straddledFinster, who lay face down on the ground. Then Allerdyce grabbed theother by the shock of black hair, pulled his neck up until he couldget his arm under it. Then slowly, using all his strength, Allerdycepulled back until after a moment there was a sharp crack. Finisterwould be no more trouble.
Algernon Allerdyce rose and throwing his head back let out a bellow oftriumph, and knew then he was no longer Algernon Allerdyce. He was infact Oogie the Caveman, replete with wife. For Sala had been the firstto rush to his side. And as he threw his arms around her he knew lovehad come to him. She was his and woe betide the one who tried to takeher from him.
But when Gomar stepped to his side and asked:
"This sliver of wood you made and the bow of elk thong.... Could youmake another for me...?" Oogie the Caveman knew his life had begun inearnest....
THE END
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Oogie Finds Love Page 4