It was almost in breathless awe now that the men ceased pulling for a few moments in response to an order from Sree, who whispered to his superiors,—
"We are just at the end, Sahibs; be quite ready to fire."
"We are," they replied, in a husky whisper.
"Then we shall pull now sharply, Sahibs."
"Pull," said Harry. "Quick!"
The men gave two rapid heaves, and the boys started back with a shout.
"Oh!" roared Harry, stamping about the floor, "only to think of that!"
For Sree was standing holding out the frayed and untwisted end of the rope, worn through at last by the crocodile's teeth, and parted in the last rush.
"Oh, I say!" cried Phra.
"Mind! Look out!" yelled Harry, making a dash for the shore, and immediately there was a regular stampede, which ended in the Prince seizing his friend by the arm, and thumping his back with the butt of the gun he held.