He did not move, but sat there trying to remember just where he was, and after satisfying his mind with regard to that point, wondered what it was that had disturbed his dreams.

Not hearing any repetition of the noise, he was about to drop off again, his eyes feeling very heavy, when he saw something move.  Was that Frank, or one of the other boys, who had been ashore, climbing back to the boat?

Bluff gripped his gun, and kept on the watch.  Whoever it might be, he evidently did not want to arouse the sleepers, for he was very careful how he stepped after he had come aboard.

Bluff caught a glimpse of the other’s face as the dying fire on shore chanced to flare up.  He made the alarming discovery that it was a white man, but a stranger; and then and there he remembered about the sheriff’s hunt for the desperado!

CHAPTER X

BLUFF’S FIRST ’GATOR

“Don’t you move a hand or foot, you rascal!” cried Bluff sternly as he suddenly sat up, with leveled gun.

The unknown pillager was only a comparatively few feet away, so that it was easy for him to see the weapon covered him.  Immediately he elevated his hands, as if to signify that he surrendered.

“What is it, Bluff?” asked a quiet voice, and Frank appeared from the bottom of the boat.

By then the thief must have determined that unless he took chances he would be made a prisoner.  He gave a sudden yell, and threw himself over the gunwale of the boat.  By chance it was the side toward the water, and they heard the splash that announced his arrival below.

“Some fellow aboard, bent on stealing everything we had!” exclaimed Bluff.

“Was it George?” gasped Will, aghast at the possibility of such ingratitude.

“No; a white man.  See!  There he goes, swimming across the river!”

The light was not very good, but they could see a sort of phosphorescent glow on the water, where some object was struggling for the opposite bank.

Bluff half leveled his gun, when Frank shoved it aside.

“You wouldn’t want to kill him, even if he is a desperate case.  I guess he got little or nothing.  Let him go.  The sheriff will be along after him soon,” he said.

“But what is that trailing after him, Frank?” echoed Will.

“Where?” demanded the other quickly.

“Why, look right there!  And whatever it is, it’s catching up with him fast, too!  I believe it must be an alligator!” exclaimed Will.

“I had a glimpse of a big fellow hovering under the boat at dusk.  I think he was after the refuse we threw over.  Would he hurt a swimmer?” asked Bluff.

“I don’t know.  I wouldn’t want to try his appetite, that’s all.  Could you give the beast a shot without hitting the man, Bluff?” asked Frank eagerly.

“Why, yes; for at this short distance the shot won’t scatter much.”