The reptile, thirsting for more blood, saw the tempting morsel; and, darting forward, seized it in his huge jaws, crushing it in the act.

The woman remained motionless, biding her time.
"The caimans do not masticate their food.

Their teeth are not formed for that.

They are only made for seizing; and the tongue--which they cannot extend forward--only serves to assist them in swallowing.

In a few moments the body had disappeared down the capacious throat of the monster.