"Snakes, now. Snakes in the island, after the bears and the tigers!" he exclaimed. Yes! It was one of those reptiles well-known by the noise they make, a rattlesnake of the most venomous species: a giant of the Crotalus family! Carefinotu threw himself between Godfrey and the reptile, which hurried off under a thick bush. But the negro pursued it and smashed in its head with a blow of the axe. When Godfrey rejoined him, the two halves of the reptile were writhing on the blood-stained soil. Then other serpents, not less dangerous, appeared in great abundance on this part of the prairie which was separated by the stream from Will Tree. Was it then a sudden invasion of reptiles? Was Phina Island going to become the rival of ancient Tenos, whose formidable ophidians rendered it famous in antiquity, and which gave its name to the viper? "Come on! come on!" exclaimed Godfrey, motioning to Carefinotu to quicken the pace. He was uneasy. Strange presentiments agitated him without his being able to control them. Under their influence, fearing some approaching misfortune, he had hastened his return to Will Tree. But matters became serious when he reached the planks across the river. Screams of terror resounded from beneath the sequoias--cries for help in a tone of agony which it was impossible to mistake! "It is Tartlet!" exclaimed Godfrey. "The unfortunate man has been attacked! Quick! quick!" Once over the bridge, about twenty paces further on, Tartlet was perceived running as fast as his legs could carry him. An enormous crocodile had come out of the river and was pursuing him with its jaws wide open. The poor man, distracted, mad with fright, instead of turning to the right or the left, was keeping in a straight line, and so running the risk of being caught. Suddenly he stumbled. He fell. He was lost. Godfrey halted. In the presence of this imminent danger his coolness never forsook him for an instant. He brought his gun to his shoulder, and aimed at the crocodile. The well-aimed bullet struck the monster, and it made a bound to one side and fell motionless on the ground. Carefinotu rushed towards Tartlet and lifted him up. Tartlet had escaped with a fright! But what a fright! It was six o'clock in the evening. A moment afterwards Godfrey and his two companions had reached Will Tree. How bitter were their reflections during their evening repast! What long sleepless hours were in store for the inhabitants of Phina Island, on whom misfortunes were now crowding. As for the professor, in his anguish he could only repeat the words which expressed the whole of his thoughts, "I had much rather be off!" CHAPTER XXI. WHICH ENDS WITH QUITE A SURPRISING REFLECTION BY THE NEGRO CAREFINOTU.