“Hurry!” cried Joe frantically. “The crocodile!”
The huge reptile hesitated a moment as it gazed intently at the broken waters. Then, as though suddenly grasping what was taking place, it swung into action and swam toward Joe.
The latter was some fifty feet away, and, aided by the stout rope was swimming rapidly. But the crocodile also was moving at no slow gait!
“Quick!” shouted Mr. Lewis, pulling with all his strength. “In less than a minute it will be too late.”
He placed his section of the rope in the hands of a bearer and grasped his rifle. A second later he pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The sound of the gun was followed by a terrific threshing about as the crocodile gasped out its last breath. Then the motion ceased, and the great saurian disappeared into the dark water.
“Thank goodness!” breathed Bob.
By now Joe had reached the shore and was scrambling up the steep bank. He was a sorry-looking sight as he faced the others.