But he was fated to have no better fortune with his blow than his companion, for just as he stood up the weight of the creature clinging to the gunwale proved too much for the equilibrium of the canoe, and over it went, pitching both boys into the water with a tremendous splash.
They were expert swimmers, and had nothing to fear in the way of drowning; but the first thought in the minds of both as they rose to the surface and wiped the water from their eyes was, "Where is the wild-cat? Is it near me?"
To their great surprise the animal had disappeared. There was the canoe calmly floating bottom up, but nothing else was visible.
"What's become of the thing?" cried Ray, looking anxiously around.
The words were hardly out of his mouth when strange, muffled sounds coming through the bottom of their up-turned craft supplied the answer.
The canoe had turned over on top of the animal, which was now imprisoned beneath it.
"It's under the canoe," shouted Jack. "Let's keep it there until it's drowned."
The idea was an excellent one, and not an instant was lost in putting it into execution.
One taking the bow, and the other the stern, the boys kept the light vessel in its position until the sounds and struggling of the creature desperately fighting for its life had entirely ceased.
They even waited some minutes longer so as to make assurance doubly sure, for they desired no renewal of the conflict.