Getting its short, thick forelegs onto the stonework, it hoisted itself up, completely barring the way. Its cavernous mouth gaped open, showing rows of huge, twisted tusks, which could have bitten a bull in two.
Its fetid breath blew full in Kinnersly's face, nearly sickening him with the horrible, putrefying stench.
"Shoot him!" shouted Godfrey. "The others are coming."
There was no help for it. Kinnersly thrust the muzzle of his pistol almost between the yawning rows of teeth and pulled the trigger.
With the report the monstrous brute flung itself high into the air, and fell over sideways with a crash that sent a wave almost over their heads. Next instant the placid water of the bayou was beaten into showers of spray, which gleamed silver in the brilliant moonlight.
Waves dashed over the causeway. The two men stood still, appalled at the fearful death-struggles of the monster.
"Thank goodness, you got him that time!" exclaimed Godfrey, struggling up out of the water onto firmer ground.
Another moment and all was clear. The great alligator had vanished, and with him the others, frightened at the commotion, had gone, too.
"Now's our chance!" cried Kinnersly, and pushed on with reckless speed.
Fortunately, the rest of the causeway was unbroken, and they reached the far side of the lagoon in safety.