"Don't try that on these 'gators; but I'll rig up a harpoon for you, and if you can hit one with that there won't be any trouble in getting him."
"I don't want to kill the thing with a harpoon."
"I'll fix that. I'll stop down the harpoon so you can't drive it more than an inch beyond the hide, and the 'gator will never know he's hurt. He'll think a fly lit on him."
In the morning, as they were about to start on the 'gator chase, Ned said to his father:
"This is our third day and our last chance, so we have got to keep busy."
"Not quite," replied Mr. Barstow. "You and Dick have done so well that you can stay in command until I have to call you down."
"Where do I come in?" said Molly. "Haven't I got something to say about things?"
"Looks as if you were having too much to say now. You mustn't try to influence the officers of this ship or lure them away from their duties."
The little face that Molly made at her father wasn't quite respectful, but Mr. Barstow only laughed at it.