“Got—to stick—to the ship,” the boy murmured, as he strained at the paddle.
Suddenly Roy gave a yell. The boat lurched, and swung about in a circle.
“Paddle’s gone!” he cried. “Broke! We’ll have to swim for it!”
“Take this!” Teddy shouted, and thrust his own paddle back. Bug Eye, who was behind him, seized it and passed it to Roy. “Never mind trying to make shore now! Keep her straight!”
Desperately Roy tried to do this. There was a sickening moment when the river seemed to fall from beneath them and for an instant they hung in space.
A wave slapped them broadside.
“Here—she—” Bug Eye yelled, and that was all. A rock, huge and black, loomed up before them. A crash, then a crunching sound. Water poured over the side.
Then all four were struggling for their lives in a current that sought to draw them into the depths!
CHAPTER XV
A Vain Search
When Teddy felt the dark waters close over his head, his first thought was that now, after their long journey, they were to fail. He did not fear for his own safety, unless it was that his absence would cause his father and mother worry. The rushing current swept him out of reach of the rock which had been their Scylla, and, in one vivid flash, Teddy saw Roy clinging to its ebony sides with arms that seemed almost lifeless.