She looked around.

It was her husband! "The melancholy tale was soon told; and shortly after was carried to those that dwelt nearest them.

The grief was general; and the sympathy that followed caused a general rising throughout the neighbourhood; and for several days afterwards a war of extermination was waged against the caimans.
"This, brothers," said Lucien, "is a true narrative; and, in fact, it is only a year or two since the painful incident occurred." "And a painful incident it was," cried Basil, with some excitement.
"Thunder! it makes one hate those monsters so I feel like having a shot at one this very moment; besides I want a tooth for a powder-charger;" and as he said this, he took up his rifle, and stepped out to the water's edge.

None of the alligators appeared to be within range at the moment, though dozens of them were seen moving about on the bayou.
"Hold, brother!" shouted Francois.

"Have patience a little, and I'll bring them near enough.