George and the lieutenant were the only ones who did not seem aware of the danger; for, when the former reached the shore, he proceeded to pull on his clothes, and, seeing Frank standing where he had left him, coolly inquired: "Why don't you come on?
Can't you swim ?" "Yes," answered Frank; "but didn't you see that alligator?
I almost ran over him before I saw him." "O, that's nothing," answered George, carelessly.

"If alligators were all we had to fear, we would all be safe at the North in less than two months.

They are death on darkeys, but they will not touch a white man in the water, if he keeps moving.

There's not the slightest danger.
Come on." Frank was very much inclined to doubt this statement; but, screwing up his courage to the highest pitch, he stepped into the water again, and struck out.

When he reached the middle of the stream, he saw a large, black object rise in the water but a short distance from him, and, after regarding him a moment with a pair of small, sharp-looking eyes, it disappeared, with another of those roars which had so startled him but a moment before.