ard
itself.

I could not restrain myself from half turning round, and raising my body
body high in the water to look back. The clear moonlight gave me every
advantage, and I could perceive any object on the water almost as
distinctly as by day.

One glance was sufficient to make me aware of my perilous position.
Merciful heaven! my conjecture was too true!--the dead log was no log,
but an enormous crocodile!--its hideous shape was plainly seen; its long
cloven head and broad scaly back glittered high above the water, and its
snout was elevated and turned towards me, as though it was just getting
over a surprise, and coming to the knowledge of what sort of creature I
was.

Its surprise, however, was soon over, and before I could stretch myself
to swim on, I saw it lash the water into foam with its tail--as if to
set itself in motion--and the next moment it parted from the bank and
came rushing towards me!

Its body was now sunk below the surface, but its blunt, haggard head,
and sharp snout were projected high above the water.

I saw all this as I turned round again; and with a feeling of cold
horror upon me I swam on.

The barque was now near--her bows were not fifty yards distant, and the
crocodile was still more than a hundred behind me. But I well knew that
these amphibious monsters can far outswim a man. Through the water they
make progress as an otter, and with like rapidity. I felt sure I should
be overtaken, and then--

The cold horror continued--I screamed out for help--I continued my cries
as I swam on!

I heard voices from the barque, in answer to my cries. I could see
forms gliding about the head, and running out upon the bumpkin-shrouds,
and along the bowsprit I could distinguish the deep voice of Brace
uttering words of encouragement and direction.

I was under the bowsprit-end--I could see no rope--I looked in vain for
a rope--none had been thrown to me. Oh, heavens! what was I to do?

Once more I raised myself in the water, and looked back. It was an
appalling sight. The black head of the crocodile glittered within ten
feet of me--I could see the jaws extended--the long, irregular tusks--
the strong, scaly limbs, as they paddled the water.

In another instant I should have felt those terrible teeth; and, gripped
between the hard jaws of the monster, as in a vice, would have been
dragged to the bottom of the dark waters had it been my destiny.

But it was not so written in the book