CHAPTER VI 



EIDING A SHARK. 



The black nurse — Tom's ride — Graining cray-fish — The coral-heads 

 — The home of the cray-fish — Submarine aquariums — Spearing 

 an octopus — The cloud of ink — Head-footed animals. 



.OR an instant Tom was lost 

 to sight, but lie soon reap- 

 peared, rope in hand, now under 

 water aud now above, rushing 

 at railway speed behind his 

 strange steed, which, was plow- 

 ing along, making Tom snort 

 like a grampus. 



" Hang on, Tom ; don't 



let go ! " shouted the boys. 



" We'll pick you up." 



Tom, who was an excellent swimmer, soon 



placed himself upon the surface and enjoyed the 



sport, an occasional cheer testifying that he was 



all right. The others at once put out the oars, 



(120) 



