When you read some dramatic account of the varied fancies that are supposed to pass through the thoughts of one who is drowning, take it cum grano salis. Believe me, the one and only thought that takes possession of a poor mortal at such a time is to grasp something with his hands, and if this is accomplished, his next desire is to feel something solid beneath his feet. His past is nothing, his future less. The present is all there is of human existence. Oh, how well I know this to be true!
I tried to show my gallant Turk the gratitude I felt for his efforts in my behalf. He informed me that I could repay him by speaking a word for his countrymen, if the occasion arose. I can see his dark face now light up with pleasure at my promise as he touched his forehead with his hand, for he had lost his fez in the waters.
THE GALATA BRIDGE, CONSTANTINOPLE
BY PERMISSION OF DR. LEEPER
COPYRIGHT BY DR. LEEPER
We parted neither of us knowing the other's name, but no word against the rising generation of Turks can ever be said in my presence since that night.
I did not rest long undisturbed among the cushions of the carriage he found for me, for my driver who had gone on at a good speed suddenly stopped in the steepest, darkest part of the almost perpendicular incline that leads up to Pera from Galata, and, turning, showed me a coin, demanding something at the same time. I divined that he was asking if I would pay him that much, and I, with my cheeriest smile, nodded. But as he turned to gather up the reins again, I caught sight of his face and only the presence of my guardian angel, who had held my hand all that awful day, kept me from shrieking or from fainting.
Finally we turned into the lighted street in which was my hotel, and I was out of the victoria, through the door and into the lift before the carriage had stopped. I called to the clerk to pay the tariff from the Galata Bridge and to give the driver his backsheesh. Their angry voices ascended with the elevator.
When I reached my room and had turned the key in the lock, I sobbed out all my pent-up emotion and thankfulness.
Will you credit it when I tell you that I started again? This time, however, I went on the steamboat accompanied by one of the American teachers from the college.