But they were armed with their sharp hatchets and they hacked desperately at the slimy tentacles, each of which was provided with a row of suckers for fastening upon its prey. The pool was lashed into foam as the boys cut and slashed at the two big tentacles that held Dick. The octopus fought fiercely, but there were too many against it. No other prey that it had ever seized had stood a chance but these strange enemies who wielded flashing steel were evidently in a different class. One after another they hacked off the writhing feelers, until none appeared above the surface of the water. Then they all climbed out onto the slippery rock, where Dick was seated half dazed by the horror of his experience.
“That was a close call, old fellow,” said Phil. “It’s luck we were within hailing distance. How did the devil fish get hold of you?”
Dick told him, and then got somewhat shakily to his feet. “I’ve heard that an octopus will grow new tentacles in place of those he loses, and I’m going to see that this fellow doesn’t have a chance at anything again,” said Dick.
“What’s your idea?” asked Steve.
“Dynamite,” replied Dick briefly. “You fellows stay here until I go to camp and get a stick. I’m feeling all right now.”
In due time he arrived with a stick of explosive and a fuse. Benton showed him how to set the cap and fuse, and when all was ready they lighted the fuse and dropped the stick into the pool. Then they rushed out onto the sand and awaited developments.
In a few seconds there came a terrific explosion, and a cloud of water and steam rushed from the cave. After giving the air time to clear, they returned to the cave which had been the abode of the octopus. Over the walls and roof were scattered shreds of flabby flesh, all that remained of the lurking monster, while not a drop of water remained in the deep pool in which he had lain.
Even Dick could have asked no more complete destruction of his enemy, and they set out for their cave well satisfied with the result of the adventure.
As they neared the cave, Phil stopped short in a listening attitude. The others also halted and looked at him inquiringly.
“I thought I heard a rifle shot,” said Phil at length. “Did you fellows hear it too?”