lligator swam by some five feet below the
surface. It was only a small one, between three and four feet in
length, but showing all the ugly configuration of its kind; and it
fascinated Rob as he gazed at it till it slowly grew more shadowy and
shortened in length and disappeared.

"Wonder how Joe's getting on!" he thought; and then his mind dwelt again
upon their surroundings, and as his eyes wandered from spot to spot he
felt that they ought to go no farther, but make a temporary stay there.

Just then he looked to his right, to find that Mr Brazier had given up
his task of watching for birds and was busy with Shaddy arranging the
bunch of orchids on a branch in the full sunshine, to dry as much as was
possible before being transferred to their destination--the bottom of
one of the tubs.

"Slow work!" muttered Rob, drawing in his line now, to find the biscuit
softened, but still held tightly enough to the hook. Then, dropping it
in again, he watched it as it was carried out by the eddy, and ended by
tying the line fast to one of the overhanging branches and walking to
where the boat was moored.

"How are you getting on, Joe?" he said; but there was no answer. "Not
here?" he muttered as he stepped on board, to find the young Italian
lying back fast asleep, while the end of the line was secured to one of
the thwarts.

"Oh, I say!" muttered Rob, "you lazy beggar!" Then stooping down, so
that his lips were near the sleeper's ear, he said loudly, "Ready for
supper?"

Joe leaped up in confusion.

"Have I been asleep?" he said hastily.

"Looks like it. Where's the dorado?"

"I--that is--I grew so drowsy, I--yes, I fastened the end of the line
for fear it should go overboard, and--here, look out!" he cried sharply,
"I have him!"

"Not you," said Rob; "the hook caught it."

For the line had been drawn tight while Joe slept, and as he took hold
of it he found that it was fast in something heavy, which now sent a
quiver along the line, as if it were shaking its head angrily at being
disturbed.

"Why, it's a big one," said Rob excitedly.

"It's a monster," panted Joe. "Oh, I wish I had not been asleep."

"Caught anything?" came from behind them, and Brazier and Shaddy drew
near.

"Yes; Joe has hooked a very big one," cried Rob eagerly. "Get your hook
ready, Shaddy."

"All right, sir," said the guide grimly, "but you won't want it just
yet. You'll have to play that chap before you get him up to the boa