"Yes, Sahib, and we must be on the look-out. I thought he had rushed up stream, but he must be close here."
"I know," cried Phra; "it's just like the cunning beast. He has come back, and is hiding under the floor. We must look out."
"Yes, Sahib," replied the hunter; "very likely, for they are cunning things. I will not pull in more rope till you are ready for him."
"Ready!" cried Phra a minute later, and Harry echoed the cry.
"Better stand on my other side, Sahibs," said Sree; and the lads took up the more advantageous place—one, too, which made the hunter more safe from proving the resting-place of the next volley of bullets.
The two men eagerly took their places at the rope, for familiarity with the danger incurred had thoroughly bred contempt; and the hauling began slowly and steadily, every one being on the qui vive, and ready to spring back.
But the first yard came without the slightest resistance.
"Look out!" said Harry, holding his gun to his shoulder, and aiming down at the water; "he must be very near."
Another yard came without the crocodile being felt.
"He must be close in," whispered Phra, and the excitement now became intense; for their enemy seemed to be playing a very artful game under cover of the thick water, which completely shielded the approach.