"My four troublesome customers," said the captain, in a low tone to the first mate, "stand a very good chance of never returning."
"It will be a cheap way to get rid of them, although it may cost us the boat," said the mate in the same tone.
"Steady, my lads," said the scientist. "Easy all; keep the head before the wind, Mr. Folsom, if you please."
"Steady she is," answered Mont.
The boat stopped at a short distance from the monster, and Homer Woddle stood up, placed a gun to his shoulder, and fired.
The ball struck the huge slumbering beast, but glided off its back as if it had struck a piece of polished steel.
"Hard as the hide of a rhinoceros," said the man of science; "we must try again. Steady, boys."
The monster, however, did not seem to approve of being shot at, and seemed to tremble violently for a moment.
Then with incredible velocity it darted past the rowboat, which was upset in a moment, and proceeded to strike the ship.
It struck the unfortunate vessel a terrific blow directly back of the bow.