“Well then, I tell you what; let’s leave him tied up as he is, and get back. The master will be wondering where we are, and fancying all sorts of trouble.”
“Seems cruel,” I said. “The creature will be strangled.”
“Not he. If he does, he’ll strangle himself. I never feel very merciful to things that go about doing all the harm they can as long as they live. Say, shall I kill him at once?”
“No; let’s leave him, and see what my father says.”
Morgan examined the knot he had made, and then started away, for the reptile made a lash at him with its tail, and in retort he took out his big-bladed knife, opened it, and held it out threateningly.
“It’s all very well, look you,” he said; “but if you’d hit me with that tail of yours, I’d have had it off as sure as you’re alive.”
It was Morgan’s farewell to the alligator as we turned off with our poles, broken and sound, and hurried back to find my father with a gun over his arm, fast coming in search of us.