Lynton pulled the line slowly in, whilst all the others watched with eager expectation for the first appearance of his captive.
“It must be a monster,” said Brace hoarsely. “Be careful now, Lynton. It would be horrible if the line were to break, and we were to lose him after all our efforts.”
“Monster? I believe he’s as long as the boat; but he’s pumped out now. I say, the water must be tremendously deep here. He must have dived right down to the bottom. It’s a ’gator: there’s no doubt about that.”
“We shall soon see,” replied Briscoe, who stood ready with the gaff-hook. “I shall have to trust to this.”
“Yes. Drive it right into his throat, and haul him in over the side at once.”
“Right. I say: he’s coming now. See him?” said Briscoe eagerly.
“Quite plainly,” said Brace. “The water’s beautifully clear, but it’s running so fast that everything below seems to be all of a quiver and it is not possible to make out the shape of anything.”
“Haul slowly and steadily,” said Briscoe. “I wish this thing had a stronger handle.”
“It would only break if it had, with such a big fish,” said Lynton, as he kept on hauling and letting the heavily-strained line fall between his legs. “Do you see him now?”
“Yes, quite plainly.”