"Shooting alligators is not exactly nice work, I
suppose, however much it needs to be done, for we have to have their
skins for leather."
"Then suppose you take us back," suggested Ruth. "I'm sorry to make so
much trouble--"
"Not at all!" interrupted Paul. "I think it will be best. But if I can
borrow a gun I'm going to get a 'gator myself."
"And get one for me; will you, Paul?" begged Alice. "I'll have my valise
after all!"
"Surely," he answered.
"Just a few minutes more," requested Russ. "There's a big one over there
I want to film. I guess he must be the grandfather of this alligator
roost."
"I never saw such a nest of 'em!" exclaimed Jed. "I can make a pot of
money out of this. None of the other hunters has stumbled on it. I'm in
luck!"
Ruth and Alice had lost much of their first fear, and really the only
danger now was lest one of the big saurians upset the boat, which it
might easily do, by coming up under it. The alligators showed no
disposition to make an attack. Indeed, most of them swam past the boat
without noticing it, though a few of the smaller ones scuttled off when
they came up and eyed the craft and its occupants.
Out on the sand bar, sunning themselves, were nearly a score of the big
creatures. Now and then one would crawl over the others, or plunge into
the sluggish stream with a splash.
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