The battle now actually began. The boys were forced to the extreme end of the island, and they had to fight or take to the water. Behind them was an enormous alligator--larger than any other two. The big fellow was floating about motionless, with more than half of his body out of water, and he seemed to think that he was sufficient guard for that side of the island. The two hunters clubbed the approaching enemies and retreated gradually into the water. At first they almost cried in their terror, but, as they warmed up to their work, they felt that everything depended on their bravery. Stam used the butt end of his gun, while Jed swung a heavy club effectively. But there was no fighting such determined enemies successfully. The boys had to jump around lively to escape the snapping jaws and thrashing tails. At last they found themselves in water knee deep, with the alligators close upon them. "It's no use," gasped Jed, throwing away his club. "Swim for your life. Make direct for the shore." "I don't believe I have strength enough left," replied Stam, who was nearly exhausted in swinging the heavy gun. "Well, keep together, and we'll die helping each other." With this noble resolve the brothers ran out into the water as far as they could and then swam for dear life; but between them and the shore was the huge alligator guarding that side. Before they were aware of their danger the boys were nearly upon the great saurian. "We're lost!" whispered Jed. "Ugh!" The last exclamation was made by Stam, as the long tail of the alligator rubbed against his side. Both boys expected to see it swish through the water the next moment and dash the life out of them, but it did not move. Stam took a hold of it and twisted it viciously. The alligator did not resent this familiarity, but was as motionless as ever. "He's asleep!" Jed whispered. "We can get by him yet." "No, he's dead," shouted Stam, "and he'll have to carry us ashore." It took the brothers only an instant to realize their good fortune. The alligator was only the dead carcass of a big bull 'gator, which the sun had swollen and distended. It was so light that it could almost carry a man on its back without sinking. The boys threw an arm over either side of the carcass, and then with the other they began to paddle for dear life. The pursuing alligators were close upon them, but, with their strange support, they easily held their own in the race. They reached the bank in time, and, leaving the dead 'gator in the shallow water, they staggered up in the woods to a place of safety. When they recovered their breath and strength they began a search for their boat, which they found at length drifting close into the shore. Then they returned to the scene of their battle and recovered their gun. When they started home they towed with them the carcass of the alligator which had saved their lives.