"You have never been nearer your death but once," he said.
I made no reply, but pointed to the rope at my feet. 'Twas dragging to and fro upon the platform, and the thought of what dangled and tossed in the water at the tag of it turned me sick. Otto walked to the edge and looked over. Then he drew his knife and cut the rope.
"I saw only the end of the struggle," said he. "How did it begin?"
I told him briefly what had occurred.
"'Twas you taught him the trick," he said, with a laugh; "and he bore you no good-will for the lesson."
"But what brought you so pat?" I asked.
"I was sent," he replied. "'Twas thought best I should follow."
"Follow? Follow whom?" said I.
He made no answer to my question, and continued hurriedly.
"I asked the fellow at the hut where you were, and he directed me here--not a minute too soon either. Were you working at the timber yesterday?"