It was a daring thing to think of. As every one knew, there is only one place in the animal's body that can be pierced. That is directly under the fore legs. Even bullets will fly off from any other part of the scaly covering as though they had struck against a stone wall.
If the hunter venture to come close to such a monster, and his dagger fail to pierce the vital spot, there is no help for him. The great jaws will close upon him instantly, and he will never be seen again.
But the quiet Tagals seem to love danger, and no one tried to discourage the hunter. They walked quietly along the river's side for two hours, at least; they were about to turn when Alila cried:
"There he is, close to the bamboo thicket on the shore."
As they looked toward the spot, the fearful head and jaws of a crocodile could be seen reaching up out of the water.
Ready! Down dived the hunter, spear in hand. The attack was sudden and successful. The spear reached the one place it could enter, and stuck fast. The diver did not stop a moment longer, but swam back to the shore to his waiting friends. The surface of the river was instantly streaked with blood as the crocodile plunged through the water in his death agony.
The men waited till the great body of the monster became still and quiet. Then with the aid of rattan nooses they drew it up on the shore, and with their sharp knives proceeded to strip away the skin.
"It is a good medicine for rheumatism. I know it will cure the bad pains from which my mother suffers," said Alila's father.
"And I will take some of the flesh and dry it as a cure for asthma," said another of the party. "I know a man who suffers very much from the trouble. He will be glad to be able to breathe easily once more."