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72 from several different points. The storm still continued, and both of us were wet to the skin, so a slip to the bottom of the shallow river would have proved no hardship.

"Stop!" The command came in a soft whisper, and instantly I halted. Both of us listened intently, and I heard what had caused Dawson to stop me—a splashing of water ahead.

"Somebody is moving around ahead of us!" he whispered into my ear. "Those Tagals are regular imps for following a fellow!"

"Their one study is bush and forest life," I answered. "But what shall we do—leave the stream?"

"Let us wait a moment and listen."

We did so, and the splashing came nearer. But now it did not sound altogether like footsteps, and I told the first mate so.

"I agree with you," he said. "But it's something, that's certain, a wild beast, or—Great Scott! lad, make for the bank—quick!"

Tom Dawson caught me by the arm and made a furious leap, and I followed. Both of us floundered down, but were up in a trice, and none too soon, for even in the gloom we presently beheld the ugly head of a cayman stuck up close to the river bank.

"An alligator!" I screamed, and ran still further away. Dawson did not hesitate to follow