when dinner was over, they began to look around their stopping-place. they found they were close to a deep river. should they swim across it, or turn homeward?
"you must not try to cross without a boat," said one of the men to alila's father. "crocodiles make their home in these waters. it is possible we may not see any from this shore, but at the same time, if you should try to swim to the other side, you might be attacked suddenly, and be unable to escape. i know one poor fellow who lost his life in this very place.
"still, if you wish for more sport, i will tell[74] you what to do. let us all watch on the shore here for signs of crocodiles. we are in no hurry. have your guns and arrows ready to help if one of the creatures should appear. i will dive into the river and attack him with my spear."
it was a daring thing to think of. as every one knew, there is only one place in the animal's body that can be pierced. that is directly under the fore legs. even bullets will fly off from any other part of the scaly covering as though they had struck against a stone wall.
if the hunter venture to come close to such a monster, and his dagger fail to pierce the vital spot, there is no help for him. the great jaws will close upon him instantly, and he will never be seen again.
but the quiet tagals seem to love danger, and no one tried to discourage the hunter. they walked quietly along the river's side for[75] two hours, at least; they were about to turn when alila cried:
"there he is, close to the bamboo thicket on the shore."
as they looked toward the spot, the fearful head and jaws of a crocodile could be seen reaching up out of the water.
ready! down dived the hunter, spear in hand. the attack was sudden and successful. the spear reached the one place it could enter, and stuck fast. the diver did not stop a moment longer, but swam back to the shore to his waiting friends. the surface of the river was instantly streaked with blood as the crocodile plunged through the water in his death agony.
the men waited till the great body of the monster became still and quiet. then with the aid of rattan nooses they drew it up on the shore, and with their sharp knives proceeded to strip away the skin.
[76]
"it is a good medicine for rheumatism. i know it will cure the bad pains from which my mother suffers," said alila's father.
"and i will take some of the flesh and dry it as a cure for asthma," said another of the party. "i know a man who suffers very much from the trouble. he will be glad to be able to breathe easily once more."
it was now near night and too late to think of starting home. they must camp out once more. every one hoped to be free from the persistent leeches this time. they made a fire and stretched themselves beside it.
