It was tottering, for its foundations had become undermined; but he hastened on; it trembled, swerved, rocked, and he sprang quickly toward the other shore, but too late, as before and behind him the spans were torn away, and the centre one, upon which he stood must go next.
"Ah! I cannot swim, and am lost!" he cried, in a tone of horror.
"I will save you," shouted the same voice from the shore.
Then followed the words: "Throw your gun and game-bag away, and spring clear of the wreck when I call to you."
The hunter tossed his fine gun and game-bag from him and nerved himself for the ordeal.
He saw the one who had called to him—a tall, fearless-faced young man—throw aside his coat and hat and plunge into the whirling waters, some distance above the bridge.
As he came sweeping down the bold swimmer called out:
"Now jump!"
The hunter obeyed, and sank beneath the foaming current; but, as he arose, his arm was seized by the swimmer, and at the same instant the tottering centre of the bridge gave way, and was swept after them.
"Don't be alarmed, but keep cool, and I'll work toward the bank with you."