A TURTLE TURN. 241 



the line of brush, evidently making the sand 



fly. 



"Now," said Tom, "let's sneak up until it 

 sees us, then hail the rest." 



Accordingly, they crept along on their hands 

 and knees for a few feet, when suddenly a long 

 sigh or snort was heard, and the big turtle was 

 seen making for the water. At this the boys 

 uttered loud shouts and rushed ahead. Tom 

 reached the animal first, and, seizing it by the 

 shell, lifted with all his strength. To his sur- 

 prise, he received a heavy blow in the face from 

 the big fore flipper that was whirling like a 

 windmill. Down went the animal again, pull- 

 ing Harry head-foremost to the sand, while Tom 

 swung around on its back and tried to hold it 

 back. The turtle could easily carry both of 

 them, and soon tripped him up. 



" Let's both try this side," cried Tom ; so 

 both took hold of the same side, and, dodging 

 the flying flippers, lifted with all their strength. 

 " Up she comes ! now, all together ! " 



The boys lifted with a will, but the moment 

 the big flipper was clear of the ground it struck 



