But the sea serpent was following, and was certain to overtake them. Already Frank felt the creature right behind him.
And he turned to see those horrid jaws wide open above him. If they should strike him, doubtless it would be a death blow.
So Frank quickly dodged and made a blow at the monster with his ax.
It missed the mark, and the next moment the creature’s jaws were right over Frank. It was a horrible moment.
Only the young inventor’s rare presence of mind saved him then.
Quick as a flash he drove the ax into the serpent’s jaws and down its throat. Then he was hurled half senseless to the floor of the cavern.
The ax disappeared down the serpent’s throat instantly.
It was undoubtedly not averse to a diet of the sort, for it did not seem to affect his snakeship.
But Frank was for the nonce safe.
He had been hurled into a small recess in the wall of the cavern, and the serpent passed on.