IN THE CORAL COUNTRY. 37 



Tom readied a turtle before the others, and 

 dived, according to instructions, and opening his 

 eyes under water had no difficulty in approach- 

 ing the sleeping animal. How big it looked, 

 with its broad back and extended flippers ! 

 Tom almost hesitated, wondering what he should 

 do if it turned on him. But there was not much 

 time to think, so he reached out and grasped 

 the turtle firmly by the shell just over the head. 

 The turtle opened its bleary eyes, and, with a 

 convulsive rush of terror, reached the surface for 

 breath, then dashed away, dragging Tom as if 

 he was being towed behind a steam launch. 



" Hold on ! " shouted Paublo, running along 

 the wall. " Hold on tight ! " 



By this time Harry had appeared, Dick's 

 steed having become alarmed and given him the 

 slip. 



" Hold on " was good advice, Tom thought, 

 but difficult to carry out. The turtle, crazed 

 with fear, was beating the water with its power- 

 ful flippers, endeavoring to dislodge its rider 

 under water. Now Tom's head would disap- 

 pear, then it would come up with a rush, and 



