But the latter it was that gave the thrill of unnervement.
Sunk down nearly out of sight, the Indian slowly reached the reeds.

Here he found bottom, and pausing, he took the rope in one hand, the tomahawk in the other, and dived, and when he reappeared he was within ten yards of the enemy, and in water but four feet deep.
With a sudden rush the reptile splashed into the pond and out of sight, avoiding the rope noose.

But Quonab clutched deep in the water as it passed, and seized the monster's rugged tail.

Then it showed its strength.

In a twinkling that mighty tail was swung sidewise, crushing the hand with terrible force against the sharp-edged points of the back armour.