The current was too strong.
He struck out vigorously, but was carried along backward.
Ibrahim was so frightened that he threatened to jump out.
“Don’t do it,” implored Max.
But Ibrahim was determined and Max was afraid that not only would the native perish, but that his Persian friend would be sacrificed also.
“It is only a joke,” said Max, “we will pull back now.”
“And Klatchman?”
“He will catch up to us.”
Ibrahim sat down again, and Max ordered the Arabs to pull back to the place from which they started.
A few strokes and Ibrahim again interfered.