“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.

Their corner in alligators was over with, and ever afterward they took good care to see that they were not cornered before they counted their gains in cornering the market in ’gator skins.

As Jed expressed it: 

“We’ve got to get over our careless ways, if we’re going to do anything with these ’gators.  They don’t make any allowances for forgetfulness, as mother does, and perhaps she shouldn’t, either.”

* * * * *

  —­“Decide not rashly.  The decision made
  Can never be recalled.  The gods implore not,
  Plead not, solicit not; they only offer
  Choice and occasion, which once being past
  Return no more.” _—­Longfellow._

INTERNATIONAL LESSON—­FOR JAN. 11.

I Kings 12:  25-33.

Subject—­Idolatry in Israel.

by REV.G.  E. STROBRIDGE, D.D.

GOLDEN TEXT.

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image” (Exod. 20:4).

INTRODUCTION.