. A HARD STRUGGLE. 153 



could run, too. There was no mistake in the rapidity 

 with which he got over the ground ; for, in a moment 

 after, he had the iguana by the tail, and although 

 the water was up beyond his waist and the prey 

 struggled most violently, once he had got his grip, 

 like a bulldog he was resolved to keep it. That 

 this youngster was accustomed to such emergencies 

 was evident, for the knobkerrie which he had 

 previously carried in his hand was now between his 

 teeth, for well he knew that the first step to secure the 

 brute was to get it out of the water, to do which 

 required both hands. Moreover, while the wounded 

 beast was floundering around and trying to dive 

 I doubt much whether the youth could have handled 

 his club effectively. 



The iguana, which was over four feet long and 

 very solidly made, appeared to be gifted with 

 additional strength when it beheld its assailant, 

 and tremendous were the efforts that it made to 

 free itself ; but such tactics were unavailing and 

 were relinquished, but not with the intention of 

 resigning to fate. No, not a bit of it. Thus, 

 instead of trying to get free, it endeavoured to 

 turn upon its assailant, exhibiting at the same time 



