He was still at his post, his eyes still fixed in an unwinking stare, but seemingly brighter than before.

Yes, he was evidently nearer.

He was moving! Compton picked up the boat-hook with its dagger-ended spear, and prepared for the attack.

Slowly, almost without a ripple, the reptile slithered into the water; then came a rush, a snap of jaws, a swirl of waters, and something heavy and wet came right through the mosquito nets, landing in the well of the boat with a tremendous whack.
"Look out," yelled Compton; "keep out of his reach." "What the dickens is it now ?" roared Mr.Hume, as a series of resounding thwacks arose out of the well.
Compton drove his harpoon into the well, and held on like grim death, as the impaled thing lashed out to free itself.
"A crocodile!" he shouted.

"I can't hold him down much longer." "Crocodile be blowed!" shouted Mr.Hume, unhooking the lantern and directing its light into the well.