“No,” said Brazier, firmly, “it is too risky a task; you shall not attempt it.”
Shaddy uttered a low growl, like some thwarted animal, and said, in an ill-used tone,—
“Why, I could fetch his head off with one good chop, and—”
“Look, look!” cried Joe. “Mind! Take care!”
“Yes,” shouted Rob; “it’s coming round this way.”
Neither could see the reptile; but the swaying herbage and the rustling, crackling sound showed that it was in rapid motion.
“Nay,” growled Shaddy, “he ain’t coming this way—only right-about-facing. It is his nature to; he’s going to make for the water. That’s what those things do: get down to the bottom and lie there, to be out o’ danger. Look, Mr Rob, sir; you can see now what a length he is. One part’s going one way, and the t’other part t’other way. Now he’s turned the corner, and going straight for the river.”
With Shaddy’s words to guide them, they could easily make out what was taking place, as the reptile now made for the place of refuge already sought by its companion.
Just then Brazier cocked his piece—click, click—and took a few steps forward to try and get a sight of the creature before it reached the river bank.
“May as well save your shot, sir,” said Shaddy gruffly. “He’s going into the water bleeding pretty free, I know; and there’s them waiting below as will be at him as soon as they smell blood.”