But almost no white men ....

Get that queer odor, and that flapping sound over to the left?
That was a 'gator.

And he seems to be fairly big and alive, from the racket he made.

Lucky we're on the path and not in the undergrowth or the water!" He talked on, as though not in the least concerned as to whether or not she might hear or heed.

And, awed by the gruesome stillness and gloom of the place, Claire had not the heart to bid him be silent.