“Thunder and lightning!” howled the Yankee; “I can’t stand that, even if you do be my boss.”
He made a sudden dive forward and seized Prof. Remington Easy by the collar, and prepared to stand him on his head.
But the fat man was still mad, and he ducked down and seized his opponent by his long legs.
Then each strove to force the other to the bottom of the boat.
“Drat your tarnal hide! I’ll wallop you, anyhow, now,” exclaimed Haypole.
He let out his full strength, and down went the fat professor, with him on top.
But as they struck the boat gave a lurch, and overboard went both of them.
And the alligator, who was still hovering about the place, opened wide his jaws and swam toward the two struggling forms, who were each striving to see who could shout “Murder!” the loudest.