"Got the worst of it there, Mr. Orban," said Bob in an amused tone.
"Talking of cruelty," remarked Miss Chase, "what do you do to your unfortunate cows here at night? I never heard such a dismal noise as they make."
"Cows!" exclaimed every one in astonishment.
"Yes, cows," was the answer. "If you listen you can hear them now."
There was an instant hush, followed by renewed peals of laughter.
"Those aren't cows I advise you to go and sympathize with, Miss Chase," said Bob. "We call them alligators hereabouts, and at the present minute they are lying on the banks of the creek wishing a nice, tasty supper would come strolling along."
"There are alligators in the river, and yet Nesta says you boat on it and bathe in it!" exclaimed Miss Chase. "What extraordinary people you are!"
"There are alligators one side of the bar and sharks the other, and one often upsets going over it in rough weather," said Bob cheerfully.
"How horrible!" said Miss Chase.
"When Aunt Dorothy saw a tarantula strolling round the table towards her the other day she nearly had a fit," said Peter.