It rushed at Bes open-mouthed.

Being a good swimmer he twisted his body in order to avoid it, but I heard the great teeth close with a snap on the short leathern garment which he wore about his middle.
"The devil has me! Farewell!" he cried and vanished beneath the water.
Now, as I have said, I was almost stripped for bathing, but had not yet taken off my short sword which was girded round me by a belt.

In an instant I drew it and amidst the yells of horror of the Ethiopians who had seen all from the bank, I plunged into the river.

There are few able to swim as I could and I had the art of diving with my eyes open and remaining long beneath the surface without drawing breath, for this I had practised from a child.
Immediately I saw the great reptile sinking to the mud and dragging Bes with him to drown him there.

But here the river was very deep and with a few swift strokes I was able to get under the crocodile.