rp tusks. So savage did it look
that they had no wish to approach its open jaws; indeed, with such
rapidity did it run and twist about in the thick bush, that they had
considerable difficulty in escaping from it.

"Take care," cried Peter; "he nearly killed me just now. If he catches
you, you'll repent it."

At that moment the seal either heard Peter's voice or caught sight of
him, and again dashed up towards the tree. This enabled Willy and his
companions to get into a more open part of the bush. Peter shrieked
out, "Oh! oh! shoot him, shoot him, or he will be clambering up after
me."

Willy could not help laughing at his messmate's fright, not believing
that the creature could possibly climb the tree. He was now able to
stop and take aim. He fired, and though the bullet went through the
seal's head, it seemed in no way incommoded, but, finding that it could
not reach Peter, turned round and made again towards its other foes.
Willy, who had begun to load, had to scramble as best he could through
the scrub, to escape the charge of the enraged creature. The seamen,
observing the dangerous position in which he was placed, hurried forward
with their clubs uplifted. The animal turned towards Tom Wall, and
seizing his club, wrenched it out of his hand, biting it almost through.
Dick Sharp, however, at the same moment let fall his weapon on its nose
with such force that the creature staggered and sank to the ground, thus
allowing Tom to get back his club. Before, however, either of them
could repeat the blow, the seal, recovering, again dashed at Tom, who
had to leap out of its way, narrowly escaping an ugly gripe on the leg.
Willy had again loaded, but was afraid to fire lest he might hit either
of the seamen. The seal now stopped, seeming doubtful at which of his
assailants he should next rush. When they stopped the creature stopped
also; and directly they moved, either to one side or the other, it
charged as fearlessly as at first. At length Willy got another shot.
Again the ball entered the creature's head, but without producing any
apparent effect. Several times the brave old sea-lion charged, now on
one side, now on the other, till it again got into the open space. It
was now apparently beginning to feel the effects of the bullets, for,
raising itself up on its fore-flippers, it remained several seconds
glaring at its foes.

"Come on, Tom," cried Dick Sharp. "We are not going to be beaten by a
seal,