Doc Javelin Porcupine

DOC halted to cut a long, bamboolike shoot, not unlike the ordinary cane fishing pole. He stripped off the leaves. He worked on the larger end for some minutes. After that, he tested the heft of the javelin he had fashioned.

For the next few minutes, his alert gaze not only kept track of the trail he was following, but roved in search of something to test his spear on.

He found game in the shape of a small but vile-looking creature which had a back covered with hairs that were stiff and pointed like thorns. No doubt this was the predecessor of the common porcupine.

Doc cast his javelin accurately. He inflicted a minor wound on the beast's flank. It ran off briskly--and suddenly fell dead.

- The Land of Terror (1933) Chapter 20