"I don't believe I have strength enough left," replied Stam, who was
nearly exhausted in swinging the heavy gun.

"Well, keep together, and we'll die helping each other."

With this noble resolve the brothers ran out into the water as far as
they could and then swam for dear life; but between them and the shore
was the huge alligator guarding that side.

Before they were aware of their danger the boys were nearly upon the
great saurian.

"We're lost!" whispered Jed.

"Ugh!"

The last exclamation was made by Stam, as the long tail of the alligator
rubbed against his side. Both boys expected to see it swish through the
water the next moment and dash the life out of them, but it did not
move. Stam took a hold of it and twisted it viciously.

The alligator did not resent this familiarity, but was as motionless as
ever.

"He's asleep!" Jed whispered. "We can get by him yet."

"No, he's dead," shouted Stam, "and he'll have to carry us ashore."

It took the brothers only an instant to realize their good fortune. The
alligator was only the dead carcass of a big bull 'gator, which the sun