There was another shriek, this time from Mrs. Tremaine, as she caught sight of an alligator snout rising above the water not fifty yards away.
Tom Halstead saw that snout on the water. In another twinkling he was over the side.
Oliver Dixon sprang to plunge in, also, but Mr. Tremaine caught him by the arm, crying huskily:
“No, no, Dixon! Two over are enough. And there’s a second ’gator, a third!”
Three of the brutes were close at hand, all nosing along towards these people at their mercy in the water.
Up shot Joe’s head above the black waters. He gripped Ida Silsbee, too, for Joe’s dive had carried him straight to her side.
“Look out for the ’gators!” shrieked Mrs. Tremaine, ghastly with terror.
The two Florida men had snatched up their rifles, prepared to fire. Mr. Tremaine already had his.
Tom Halstead came to the surface to find himself between Joe and the nearest of the water enemies.
“Get her to the boat, Joe. I’ll do the best I can to take up a ’gator’s attention,” shouted Tom desperately. He had no plan of attack. He was prepared to sacrifice himself to injury or mangling, if that would do any good.