He remembered that half way to the falls the stream narrowed considerably where the tide rushed with a roar that was deafening, and there were several huge rocks. Perhaps, if he could gain one of these, when morning came he might devise some means of escape.
He tried his best to slip off the cord from his wrists, which was the same cord that had been fastened to his feet, and which now dragged a considerable distance behind him. But the hemp was water soaked, and cut into his flesh until it bled.
On and on he was carried. It seemed that every instant the speed increased. It was useless to cry out--no one was near, even if indeed, his voice should reach the shore. His mind was filled with countless anxious thoughts. What would his friends think of his absence? What would Mont say? What would Deb do if he was lost?
Thinking of his dear sister was more painful than aught else, and he uttered a sincere prayer that his life might be spared, for her sake, if not for his own.
Presently, through the gloom came the noise of the water as it washed over and around the rocks below.
He lifted his head as high as possible, and strained his eyes to get a view of the situation, but water and foam were alone in sight.
Nearer and nearer he was now drawing. The water bubbled all around. Then like a flash a black object loomed to the right.
He struggled with all his power to gain it. Kicking and plunging, his side struck a rock.
He tried to grasp it, but it slipped. Another and still another passed. The water surged on all sides.
Suddenly his feet touched bottom. He threw himself with all his force against the current.