He was growing exhausted and several times his hold upon the plank grew so heavy that it sank deep in the water; at which Bertha would cry out that she was drowning and call piteously upon him to save her. Then mastering himself, for a time our hero would strive to float without hanging to the board, but each attempt grew shorter than the preceding one, and he felt himself swiftly drifting into Eternity. Once his hold on the plank loosened and he began to sink. A spasmodic effort regained his buoy, but his grasp caused it to sink, and with a shriek the maiden implored him to save her! Her voice aroused his drooping energies, and gave him new strength. But presently it faded away, and death closed in upon him.
"Are we near the shore?"
"I hope so—I pray God so," said Ben in a weak voice. "Will you—will you kiss me—just once?"
She would have kissed him a thousand times had it been possible.
"Thank you. God bless you, and save and protect you, darling. Cling tight to the plank. For I feel myself going;—I—I—can't hold out,—no, not much longer. Don't—let go—good-bye;—I—I always loved you. Good. Don't let go. Hang tight. Good—What! Thank God! Thank God! We are saved! Saved! Saved! Bertha we are saved! My feet touch the bottom! I can walk!"
It was indeed a joyful fact and one that was much needed at that identical moment. A few seconds later and Ben would have been too weak to keep his feet. But now a new life and a new strength was given him.
"Wait; I will see if this is the shore," he said. Then with his face close to the water he peered around him.
"I cannot tell," he presently said. "There is a dark line to the right and I will make for it. Hold tight to the plank for should I step into deep water you will need it."
Slowly pushing the plank in front of him he made his way toward the dark line he had taken for the shore. For several minutes he cautiously waded through the flood, and the water fell from his chin to his breast and from his breast to his thighs and then he could see land ahead of him with bushes on it. At this happy discovery he set up a great cry of joy, and unlashing Bertha from the plank, took her in his arms and floundered through the shallow water to the shore. And when they reached it they both went on their knees, and prayed such a prayer of thanksgiving, with such heartfelt earnestness, that we are sorry to reflect that it requires such severe causes to produce such commendable effects.
Ben arose from his knees first and stood looking upon his beautiful companion. When she had completed her offering, she arose also, and taking both of Ben's hands in both of hers, she kissed them passionately.