"Hold, let no man here risk his life," he said.
"But—"
"But the excitement will do me good, I want a good fight to keep my spirits up."
While speaking he had thrown off his coat and shoes, and cutlass in hand, leaped to the rescue of his son and old Mole.
By this time, however, the boat had been lowered and was pulling rapidly towards Mr. Mole, who still clung to his plank about thirty yards from the stern of the vessel.
Old Jack with a few powerful strokes reached him.
"Hold on, Mr. Mole; the boat is coming. You youngster, swim out of the way at once."
"I'm going to fight the fish, dad."
"You are not. Away with you at once."
During this brief conversation the shark had been down out of sight. He now rose to the surface, and perceiving three enemies, seemed undecided which to attack first.