The terror of the situation moved Griffin almost to tears.
"Let's shout," he said.
"What's the good of shouting?"
"I don't know," said Griffin.
"Then what an ass you are!" With difficulty Ellis staggered to his feet. "It's my belief I've got about an acre of land fastened to the seat of my breeches. I should like to know how I'm to walk and carry that about."
They staggered on. A few yards further on they heard the sound of wheels upon a road.
"There's the road!" cried Griffin, rapture in his voice. The sound gave him courage. He quickened his pace, and hastened on. Suddenly there was a splash, a cry of terror, then all was silence.
"What's the matter?" cried Ellis, startled he scarcely knew at what. There was no reply. "Griffin, where are you? What's the matter?"
There was a sound as of a splashing of water, and a stifled voice exclaimed,--
"Help! I am drowning! He-elp!"