What would San Francisco be without its seals?
A pleasant swim of from ten to fifteen minutes' duration brought him to the largest of the three rocks.
The seals began to bark, and some dived into the water.
To climb up was very difficult, as the seaweed was wet and slippery, it being ebb tide.
One seal attempted to bite him, but a dexterous thrust with his knife gave the sea-lion his death-blow.
With praiseworthy perseverance Jack got up to where the big seal was disporting himself in the rays of the sun.
The animal showed its gleaming tusks and snapped at Jack's leg, missing it by half an inch.
Jack stooped down and tried to stab the huge beast, but his foot slipped, and he rolled over and over until he fell with a loud splash into the sea.
The seal had also lost its balance, and came toppling over on the top of him.
Fortunately, Jack had retained his hold of the knife.