Really, it seemed as though the Fates were against us in this adventure, since we had to fight most desperately for every small advantage gained.
I had, it may be remembered, more than once fervently longed for some opportunity to prove my valor in the sight of this doubting little woman, so that she might realize how she had wronged me in the past; perhaps it was a childish desire, but a most natural one withal, such as most men would feel under similar conditions.
But, really, I had not expected such a deluge of desperate conditions to overwhelm us, even as the avalanche does the unlucky traveler on the Swiss Alps.
One may even have too much of a good thing.
At least, I thought so when I heard that miserable oar snap, and found the boats of our enemies swooping down upon us.
Robbins made no further effort to escape.
He was like a lion at bay.
I heard him give a roar of rage as he snatched up the boathook and threw its barbed end aloft.
Just as might have been expected, the two boats came up, one on either side, as if the whole thing had been previously arranged.
My first thought was of Hildegarde, fearing she might receive some injury in the mêlée that was imminent, and surely that feeling did me credit.