The shot was an idle one, perhaps worse; for, stung to madness with the stunning shock, the reptile sprang far out into the water, and made directly for its victims.
The girls, who had long since given over their mirthful contest, seemed to have lost all presence of mind; and, instead of making for the bank, stood locked in each other's arms terrified and trembling.
Their symmetrical forms fell into an agonised embrace; and their rounded arms, olive and roseate, laced each other, and twined across their quivering bodies.
Their faces were turned to heaven, as though they expected succour from above--a group that rivalled the Laocoon.
With a spring I cleared the parapet, and, drawing my sword, dashed madly across the basin.
The girls were near the centre; but the cayman had got the start of me, and the water, three feet deep, impeded my progress.

The bottom of the tank, too, was slippery, and I fell once or twice on my hands.

I rose again, and with frantic energy plunged forward, all the while calling upon the bathers to make for the parapet.
Notwithstanding my shouts, the terrified girls made no effort to save themselves.

They were incapable from terror.
On came the cayman with the velocity of vengeance.

It was a fearful moment.