264 CROCODILES. 



seizing a pistol which I had at my belt, we fired. 

 An instant afterwards the man reappeared on the 

 surface of the water, half suffocated, gesticulating 

 painfully, and exhibiting signs of frightful anguish. 

 The wretch was but a few yards in front of the 

 haulers, but not one of them dared to advance to 

 his assistance. The doctor again fired a shot at 

 hazard into the water, to drive away the monster. 

 Daring this time the boat was rowed quickly towards 

 the poor fellow, and we threw him the end of tho 

 cord, which he was still able to seize, and by its 

 aid we drew him on board one of his legs was 

 crunched ! 



" The monstrous amphibian, deceived by the float- 

 ing ferclah of the man, had, it appeared, first seized 

 him by the foot, which he raised up, then seizing 

 him a second time by the leg, above the knee, ho 

 dragged him underneath the water. It was then 

 that the crocodile who is as cowardly as he is 

 ferocious frightened by the detonations of the fire- 

 arms, and by the shouting of the men, had let go 

 his prey. 



" The wound was considerable ; the articulation of 

 the knee was crushed ; the flesh of the thick part of 

 the leg ripped open for a great length, exposing to 

 sight the naked bone. The teeth of the monster had 

 left deep marks. From the foot to the middle of the 



