I saw enough not to fall in love at first sight. I now
told them we would run all risks and have him on land immediately. They
pulled again, and out he came--"monstrum horrendum, informe." This was an
interesting moment. I kept my position firmly, with my eye fixed steadfast
on him.
By the time the cayman was within two yards of me I saw he was in a state
of fear and perturbation. I instantly dropped the mast, sprung up and
jumped on his back, turning half round as I vaulted, so that I gained my
seat with my face in a right position. I immediately seized his fore-legs,
and by main force twisted them on his back; thus they served me for a
bridle.
He now seemed to have recovered from his surprise, and probably fancying
himself in hostile company he began to plunge furiously, and lashed the
sand with his long and powerful tail. I was out of reach of the strokes of
it by being near his head. He continued to plunge and strike and made my
seat very uncomfortable. It must have been a fine sight for an unoccupied
spectator.
Pages:
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305