But first one and then the other man got a grip of the rope, pulling together with such effect that whatever had seized the bait and become hooked began to jerk the line violently, as if it were throwing its head from side to side.
"Be ready to shoot, Master Harry," said Sree. "He may rush up to the top of the water and come at us, or try to sweep us off here with his tail."
"Nonsense!" cried Harry.
"'Tisn't," said Phra calmly, as he stood like a bronze statue, ready to fire. "I saw a man swept off a boat once like that."
"By a croc?"
"Yes."
"What then?" said Harry huskily.
"I don't know. He was never seen again. Ah, look out!"
As Phra spoke there was a violent eddying in the water where the end of the line must have been.
"He's coming up," cried Harry, raising his gun to his shoulder. "Hold on, all of you. Ah, here he is. Fire!"