When the Lion Feeds by Wilbur Smith, Tim Pigott-Smith

face, and yet he could not move to avoid it. He dropped his chin onto -his chest and took Sean's fist on the top of his head. The force of it flung him backwards over the desk, but as it hit he heard the brittle crackle of Sean's fingers breaking.
    Waite dragged himself to his knees, using the corner of the desk as a support, and looked at his son. Sean was doubled up with pain, holding his broken hand against his stomach. Waite pulled himself to his feet and sucked in big breaths of air, he felt his strength coming back.
    All right, he said, if you want to fight, then we fight.
    He came round the desk, moving slowly, his hands ready, no longer underestimating his man. I am going to knock the daylights out of you, Announced Waite. Sean straightened up and looked at him. There was agony in his face now, but the anger was there also. Something surged up inside Waite when he saw it.
    He can fight and he's game. Now we'll see if he can take a beating.
    Rejoicing silently Waite moved in on him, watching Sean's left hand, disregarding the broken right for he knew what pain was in it. He knew that no man could use a hand in that condition.
    He shot out his own left hand, measuring with it, trying to draw Sean.
    Sean side-stepped, moving in past it. Waite was wide open for Sean's right, his broken right, the hand he could not possibly use, and Sean used it with all his strength into Waite's face.
    Waite's brain burst into bright colours and darkness, he spun sideways, falling hitting the leopard-skin rug with his shoulder and sliding with it across the floor into the fireplace. Then in the darkness he felt sean's hands on him and heard Sean's voice. Pa, oh, my God, Pa. Are you all right? The darkness cleared a little and he saw Sean's face, the anger gone from it and in its place worry that was almost panic. Pa, oh, my God! Please, Pa. Waite tried to sit up, but he could not make it. Sean had to help him. He knelt next to Waite holding him, fumbling helplessly with his face, trying to brush the hair back off his forehead, stroking the rumpled beard into place. I'm sorry, Pa, truly i'm sorry. Let me help you to the chair.
    Waite sat in the chair and massaged the side of his jaw.
    Sean hovered over him, his own hand forgotten.
    what you want to do, kill me? asked Waite ruefully. I didn't mean it.
    I just lost my temper. I noticed, said Waite, I just happened to notice that. To, about Garry. You don't have to say anything to him, do you?
    Waite dropped his hand from his face and looked at Sean steadily. I'll make a bargain with you, he said, I'll leave Garry out of it if you'll promise me two things. One: You never lie to me again.
    Sean nodded quickly. Two: if anybody ever takes a whip to you again you swear to me you'll give him the same as you just gave me. Sean started to smile and Waite went on gruffly. Now let's have a look at your hand.
    Sean held it out and Waite examined it, moving each finger in turn.
    Sean winced. Sore? asked Waite. He hit me with that. Sweet Jesus, I've bred me a wild one.
    A little. Sean was white-faced again. It's a mess, said Waite. You'd better get into town right away and let Doctor Van have a go at it.
    Sean moved towards the door. Hold on Sean stopped and Waite pulled himself out of his chair. I'll come with you. I'll be all right, Pa, you stay and rest.
    Waite ignored this and walked towards him. Really, Pa, I'll be all right on my own. I'm coming with you, Waite said harshly; and then softly, almost inaudibly, I want to, dammit. He lifted his arm as though to put it around Sean's shoulders, but before it touched him he let it drop back to his side and together they went out into the corridor.
    With two fingers in splints Sean handled his knife awkwardly at lunch the next day, but his appetite was unimpaired. As was only right and fitting he took no part in the conversation except on the rare occasions that a remark was addressed directly to him. But he listened, his jaws chewing steadily and his eyes