But now the reptile swung the fore part of its body around and embraced Dave's other leg, rendering the youth almost helpless.
The young diver kicked as hard as he could, but the reptile only clung the closer.
Down went the youth, until he felt that he must be drowned or strangled to death.
He was afraid to feel for the snake with his hands for fear of losing control of those members also.
With a wild effort he arose almost to the surface, so that he could see above him.
Whizz! It was a rope, thrown to him by Captain Broadbeam. It belonged to the rowboat and the captain had been carrying it, thinking it might be useful in one way or another.
The end of the rope just failed to reach Dave, but as soon as he saw it the young diver did his best to get hold of the object.
His breath was fast leaving him when he managed to clutch the rope with one hand. Then he drew it towards him and caught it with his other hand also.
Captain Broadbeam was watching anxiously, and as soon as he felt the rope tighten he began to haul in, slowly at first and then with might and main.
Nearer to shore came Dave, dragging the horrible water snake behind him. In vain the reptile tried to stay its progress. Then it thrashed around and caught Dave at the neck. In self-defense the youth had to take one hand and try to force the water snake away. But this could not be done.