The poor boy, who was placed in such a perilous position, must have fainted, for beyond the single shriek he had uttered he remained perfectly silent.
Of all the horrible-looking creatures Jack had ever heard of, this one was the worst.
In shape it was as near like a crab as anything it could be compared to, while in size it was fully as large as a mammoth sea turtle.
Its claws were something awful to look upon, and Jack shuddered when he saw that one of them clasped Joe firmly by the shoulder.
Just then the match went out, and the sight was lost to his gaze.
This served to bring Jack to his senses.
Quick as a flash he had lighted another and drawn his revolver.
The monster was making very slow progress with its intended victim, and, regardless of himself being seized by it, Jack rushed up and leveled his weapon at one of its glittering eyes.
Crack!