"I'll never be so thoughtless again if I ever get out of this."
"But we can't. We'll be eaten up in less than half an hour. Oh, dear!"
The battle now actually began. The boys were forced to the extreme end of the island, and they had to fight or take to the water. Behind them was an enormous alligator—larger than any other two. The big fellow was floating about motionless, with more than half of his body out of water, and he seemed to think that he was sufficient guard for that side of the island.
The two hunters clubbed the approaching enemies and retreated gradually into the water. At first they almost cried in their terror, but, as they warmed up to their work, they felt that everything depended on their bravery. Stam used the butt end of his gun, while Jed swung a heavy club effectively.
But there was no fighting such determined enemies successfully. The boys had to jump around lively to escape the snapping jaws and thrashing tails.
At last they found themselves in water knee deep, with the alligators close upon them.
"It's no use," gasped Jed, throwing away his club. "Swim for your life. Make direct for the shore."
"I don't believe I have strength enough left," replied Stam, who was nearly exhausted in swinging the heavy gun.
"Well, keep together, and we'll die helping each other."
With this noble resolve the brothers ran out into the water as far as they could and then swam for dear life; but between them and the shore was the huge alligator guarding that side.