A Crocodile.
As soon as he could get upon his feet Smith ran as he supposed for his life, but his messmate’s call drew him back and he ran as quickly to his help. Too late though to render any assistance, for Drew, who was nearest, leaned forward and caught Wriggs’ hand, stopping his progress toward the centre for the moment, and then his feet glided from beneath him on the smooth, sloping tufa and he too went down, and had to be aided by Oliver and Panton, who drew both out just as Smith reached the edge of the basin.
“Why don’t yer mind!” roared the latter, excitedly. “Want to lie down there in the hot water and drowned yerself?”
“No, matey, can’t say as I do,” growled Wriggs, shaking himself as he edged farther and farther away. “But this here’s about the dangerousest place as I was ever in as I knows on. Been dowsed a good many times in my life, but not like this here. Got yourselves very wet, gentlemen?”
“Oh, no, only splashed,” said Oliver. “Here, you two had better get back to the brig.”
Smith looked at his messmate.
“Feared, mate?” he said.
“Eh?” replied Wriggs, rubbing his ear well. “I dunno ’bout feared now. I’m werry wet.”
“Then go back and change your things,” said Oliver.
Wriggs scratched his head now and hesitated.