er mind. Stick on another hook,
Lynton. I say, that must have been an alligator. There couldn't be
fish that size out here."

"Pulled like a sea-cow," said Briscoe.

"Cow! Went through the water like a steam launch," said Lynton.

"Well, whatever it was, it has gone now, and we must hope for better
luck next time," said Brace.

They rested for a few minutes in silence; then Lynton turned to Brace
and said:

"Just put your hand in the locker over there, Mr Brace, and get out the
largest spoon you can find. I'm afraid it won't be big enough, and I
expect this beggar has got the swivels. I say, though, this is
something like fishing. When we get back I'll rig up some tackle with
the lead-line. Let the boat go again."

The sail was allowed to fill, the boat careened over and began to glide
away again before the wind, when suddenly the line tightened once more,
and the mate yelled to the steersman and the sailor holding the sheet.

"Ease her!" he roared; "the beggar only turned and came towards the
boat. I've got him still, and he's as lively as ever."

There was silence then, and for the next few minutes the battle went on,
the fish or reptile towing the boat this way and that way in some of its
fierce rushes.

In spite of the hard work Lynton manfully refused to surrender the line,
but let it run or hauled it in according to the necessities of the
moment, till there was a cheer, started by Brace, for the captive's
strength was plainly failing, and at the end of another five minutes it
ceased its struggles, and yielded sullenly to the steady drag.

Lynton pulled the line slowly in, whilst all the others watched with
eager expectation for the first appearance of his captive.

"It must be a monster," said Brace hoarsely. "Be careful now, Lynton.
It would be horrible if the line were to break, and we were to lose him
after all our efforts."

"Monster? I believe he's as long as the boat; but he's pumped out now.
I say, the water must be tremendously deep here. He must have dived
right down to the bottom. It's a 'gator: there's no doubt about that."

"We shall soon see," replied Briscoe, who stood ready with the
gaff-hook. "I shall have to trust to this."

"Yes. Drive it right into his throat, and haul him in over the side at
once."

"Right. I say: he's coming now. See him?" said Briscoe eagerly.

"Quite plainly," said Brace. "The water's beautifully clear, but it's
running so fast that ever