afraid.

"Silly! I won't upset you," was the answer. "But I want to get a glimpse
of that creature. There is no danger; is there, Paul?"

"Sea cows are considered gentle, and seldom attack," he replied. "You can
see it quite plainly now. It is swimming near the top of the water."

Alice made her way forward, and even Ruth was induced to come and look at
the strange creature, while Russ, from his boat, took views of the
occurrence.

"The anchor seems to be caught under one of its flippers," said Paul.
"That's why it's towing us. Probably the manatee wants to get rid of us
as much as you girls want to get rid of it."

"I hope it doesn't get away for a few minutes!" called out Russ. "This
will make a dandy film!"

Much reassured now by the gentle movements of the manatee, Ruth lost
nearly all of her fear. Alice really had felt very little.

"I thought it surely was an alligator," the latter said, as the boat
continued to be towed by the manatee.

"Nebber knowed one ob dem t'ings t' come so far up de ribber," declared
one of the colored men. "He's a big one, too!" he added, as his eyes
bulged.

"How large is it, Russ?" asked Paul. "You can see better than we can."