While the canoe containing the boys was yet a hundred feet away from the boat, the two men suddenly fell overboard.
Then it was that they first observed the alligator making for them.
As the professor and Martin Haypole arose to the surface and began shouting lustily for help, Leo raised his rifle to his shoulder.
Crack!
As the report rang out the hungry alligator ceased his forward progress and began floundering about in the muddy water.
The bullet had pierced his right eye, and in less than half a minute it expired.
Meanwhile the Yankee succeeded in grasping the gunwale of the Maid of the Marsh, and at length drew himself safely on board.
Then he hastily lifted his employer from the water, after which he gazed pantingly in the direction of the approaching canoe.
“Much obliged to yer, boys,” said he, addressing our two young friends. “Whichever of ye it was that plugged that ugly critter are a good shot, swan if he ain’t!”
Leo and Dick at once perceived that the men were not likely to prove enemies, so they lost no time in urging their canoe to the side of the sailboat.