ten
concealed holes into which it would have been awkward to fall, since we
did not know what kind of creatures lived therein.

"Seem to have lost the place," said Morgan, after we had been going
along for some time pretty well parallel with the river.

"Oh, Morgan!" I exclaimed, impatiently.

"No; I have it," he cried. "I remember that tree with the long moss
hanging down so far. The ground's harder here too. More to the left,
Master George. There you are at last."

"But where's the nest?" I said.

"Why, there it is, my lad; can't you see?"

I looked round, but there was nothing visible but a few footprints in a
muddy spot, and a hole of very moderate size, evidently going some
distance down into the moist, boggy soil.

"Is this it?"

"Yes, of course."

"But you said a nest."

"Well, I meant, as I told you, his nest, his snuggery. Now I'm going to
see if he's at home."

I looked on full of doubt, for the whole proceeding seemed to me to be
very absurd, and I felt sure that Morgan was mistaken.

"I don't believe he knows any more about alligators than I do," I said
to myself, as I saw him thrust the long pole down into the hole.

"I tried this game on yesterday, Master George, and he said he was at
home."

"Nonsense!" I cried, pettishly.

"But I'm afraid he has gone out for a walk this time, and it's a case of
call again to-morrow. No," he added, energetically, "it's all right.
Says he's at home."

"Why, what do you mean?" I cried.

"Got a bite," said Morgan, grinning. "You try. But mind he don't come
out with a rush. He might be nasty."

I hesitated for a moment, then leaning my own pole against a bush, I
took hold of the one Morgan gave into my hands, and moved it slightly.

"Well?" I said. "I don't feel anything."

"Give it a bit of a stir round, my lad," he said.

I moved the pole a little, and then jumped and let go.

"What's the matter?" cried Morgan, laughing.

"Something bit the pole, and made it jar right up my arm."

"That's him. I told you he was at home. Now then, you aren't afraid,
are you?"

"Not a big one, is it?"

"No, not very; only tidy size; but we shall see if we get him out."

I looked rather aghast at Morgan, for the idea of getting a large
alligator out there in the marshy place, and both of us unarmed, was
rather startling.

"Now then, give him a good stir up."

Sooner than seem afraid, but with my heart beating heavily, I took hold
of the