At first he could not make out what it was, but presently discovered that it was a slimy water snake. The reptile was all of ten feet in length and five or six inches in thickness.
Dave had no wish to encounter such a horrible-looking creature, and turning, he started to swim to the surface.
The water snake came after him rapidly, and just as he got his head above water Dave felt something slippery curl itself around one of his legs and start to draw him under.
CHAPTER XXI
DAVE AND THE WATER SNAKE
"Help me, Captain Broadbeam!"
"What's the matter, Dave!"
"A water snake has me by the leg."
Before Dave could say more the water snake began to pull so fiercely that the head of the young diver was forced under the water.
He struggled desperately, trying his best to get away.