“I thought it was the tail that was the dangerous part of an alligator,” said Russ, who now had all the pictures he wanted for the present, though he intended coming back with the larger camera and filming the alligator hunt.

“Well, I’ve read lots of stories to the effect that an alligator or crocodile could swing his tail around and knock a man or dog into his mouth with one sweep, but I don’t believe it,” the hunter said.  “Of course that big tail could do damage if it was properly used, and you didn’t get out of the way in time.  In India I reckon the crocodiles are dangerous, if what you read is true; but I don’t reckon a Florida alligator nor crocodile ever ate a man.”

“I thought there were no crocodiles in this country,” said Russ, who, with a skillful movement of the oars, avoided hitting a big alligator.

“That’s a mistake,” said Jed.  “There are both alligators and crocodiles in Florida, and some of the crocodiles grow to be nearly fifteen feet long.  There ain’t so much difference between crocodiles and alligators as folks think.  The main 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.”