CHAPTER XII
Shooting alligators is one thing in which I have never indulged, and I watched the show with undisguised wonder and admiration. Discovering that the little rifle expert was a girl excited me, and as she came closer she eyed me critically from shoes to hat. Then I observed that she was older than I first thought.
"I wouldn't want you to shoot at me," I said, attempting to put her at ease. I could detect a sort of distrust in her clear gray eyes.
"I never miss a 'gator, if that's what you mean," said she, toying with her rifle and reassured by my voice. "I've been shooting 'gators all my life."
"I think it's wonderful; few men could do as well."
Still doubting, she smiled slightly and continued to study my face, my tropical clothes, even my shoes.
"Mr. Canby is not about?" I asked as I smiled down upon her.