"All of a sudden I was pulled up by my rifle, which was slung round my shoulders, getting jammed across the passage.
"I tried to gain my feet, but failed; the slope was too smooth and steep.
"There was but one thing for it, and that was to go on.
"I slipped the sling over my head, and away I went again.
"Then came another fall.
"This nearly knocked me senseless.
"I just remember another slide, then daylight, then a last fall, and I lost all consciousness, only coming to myself to find you leaning over me."
"How is your side?" asked the captain. "Your escape was most wonderful.
Another foot farther, and you would have been drowned."
"It was, as you say, a narrow escape. As for my side, I must say it's rather painful."
However, on the captain pressing it, he came to the conclusion that no ribs were broken.