302 THE ALLIGATOR. 



hung down over the edge of the boat, and attempting 

 to drag me into the water ; at the same time I heard 

 a scratching noise. Peeping over the side of the boat 

 I saw a large alligator trjnng to reach my coat with 

 its claw, but it happened to be at too great a height 

 above the w^ater. I seized my gun, and prepared for 

 war, but the noise made in cocking the weapon 

 frightened the ugly reptile ; it sank down into the 

 depths of the water, along with a companion which 

 had been watching its motions. I informed my com- 

 panion, Steadman, of what had occurred when he 

 returned a few minutes after. 



' It was the blood of the fawn that drew them here,* 

 said he, when he had heard my tale ; ' and your being 

 so motionless made them attempt to get it. If you 

 will lie down just as you were for a few minutes, I 

 dare say I can get a shot at them ; it is almost certain 

 that they will try again for the venison.' 



I lay down on my back as desired, and remained 

 perfectly motionless for nearly a quarter of an hour. 

 Then I heard the report of Steadman's rifle, and a 

 great splashing about in the waters of the bayou told 

 me that his bullet had reached its mark. The reptile 

 went to the bottom dead ; they always sink when 

 killed in the w^ater, and remain beneath the surface 

 till decay takes place ; but we never saw it again. 



The legs of the alligator are feeble; they seem 

 awkwardly set on, and are disproportionate to the size 



