136 AFRICAN ADVENTURE STORIES 



all their might. A second blow and the reptile 

 struck the canoe on the side, keeled it over, and 

 it slowly filled with water. When it finally set- 

 tled back on an even keel only a few inches of 

 the gunwale were above the surface. 



One of the men had lost his paddle and in the 

 excitement he tried to paddle with his hands, 

 giving the croc the very opportunity it sought, 

 of which it was quick to take advantage, for it 

 grabbed the man by the hand. The canoe cap- 

 sized and threw out the occupants. 



In all dugout canoes there are several stays 

 that are used to spread the sides and keep them 

 in shape. To one of these the croc's victim 

 held with his free hand, while his companion 

 floundered to safety. 



A score of blacks rushed into the water, and 

 while some snatched the canoe others grabbed 

 the struggling man and dragged him and the 

 writhing croc toward shore. As soon as the 

 creature appeared above water a dozen spears 

 were thrown into it, compelling it to loosen its 

 grip on the man, and he was dragged to the 

 bank beyond harm's way. 



The croc, badly wounded, kept floundering 

 about and snapping at the spear shafts dangling 



