n point is that a crocodile's head is more pointed
than an alligator's."

"They're all horrid enough looking," observed Alice.

"Wa'al, I grant you they ain't none of 'em beauties," returned the
hunter, with a chuckle, "though I have heard of some folks takin' home
little alligators for pets. I'd as soon have a pet bumblebee!" and he
laughed heartily.

The two girls were becoming almost indifferent to the alligators now,
though in turning about for the return trip to the steamer they several
times bumped into the clumsy creatures, and once the craft careened
dangerously, causing Alice and Ruth to scream.

And once, when they were almost out of the haunts of the saurians, an
immense specimen reared itself out of the water and thrust its ugly nose
over the bow.

"Oh!" cried Alice, shrinking back.

In an instant Jed fired, aiming, however, along the keel of the boat, and
not broadside across it, so there was no danger from the recoil.

The alligator sank at once.

"I hit him!" cried the hunter, "but it wasn't a mortal wound. I'll come
back and get him."

"Please don't shoot again!" begged Ruth.

"I won't, Miss, and I beg your pardon; but I really couldn't help it," he
apologized.

There was considerable excitement aboard the _Magnolia_ when the party
returned with word about the alligators, and when Paul and Russ went back
with Jed, Russ taking a large camera, another boatload of men with guns
was made up for the hunt.

Even Jed was satisfied later with the day's work, and Russ got a film
that created quite a sensation when shown, for never before had an
alligator hunt been given in moving pictures.

"Well, I can't go on with you folks any longer," said Jed that night, as
Mr. Pertell, aboard the _Magnolia_, was talking of further plans. "I've
got to stay and take care of my alligator skins," he added. "It means big
money to me."

"I wish you could come," said the manager. "For we are going into the
wilds, and we may need your help."

"Into the wilds?" echoed Mr. Sneed. "Do you think it safe?"

"I don't know whether it is or not," responded Mr. Pertell, and he spoke
half seriously. "But we have to go to get the views I want. I hope none
of you refuse to come."

No one did, but there was not a little apprehension.

"Those two girls went into the wilds--and did not come back, you know,"
said Ruth to Alice in a low voice.

"Oh, don't think of it," was the rejoinder. "We are a large party--we
can't get