He was no braggart; but his self-confidence was amazing, and it brought him through many and many a desperate strait.
Would it bring him through this present affair?
Doubtful—sadly doubtful, indeed.
The wounded shark caught sight of the intrepid American, and all heedless of its hurts, dived after him.
The spectators held their breaths.
Jefferson rose to the surface in an instant, drew a long breath, and then down he plunged again.
Barely was he under when up came the shark snorting, puffing, and blowing.
There was a momentary pause just then.
Then its huge tail lashed the water into foam and it rolled over, the water surrounding it being crimsoned with its life blood.
"That's another gone coon," said Sam Mason exultingly.