"What's up?" he called out, swimming toward the shore.
"Land on the boat, Tom!" cried Sam, and leaped into the craft, followed by Fred and Powell.
"All right; but what is wrong?" asked Tom, and climbed tip over the stern.
"We can't get our clothes."
"Why not?"
"Look for yourself."
Tom looked and gave a low whistle of astonishment. And not without good reason, for there on the rocks where they had left their garments rested a big black snake!
"This is interesting truly," murmured the boy, gazing at his companions in dismay.
"I'm going to get a rock and throw it at the snake," said Sam.
A stone was close to the boat, and watching his chance, he picked it up and threw it at the reptile.