She had become deadly pale, but said nothing.
With folded arms, I looked and listened; we were nearing a narrow and
rock-studded point in the river, where there was no hope.
"The frail boat was going to be overturned there, or dashed to pieces
without mercy. I knew the spot--knew that there was no hope. The
torrent was roaring and driving the boat like a leaf toward the jagged
and fatal rocks.
"'Then you are going to kill me and yourself at the same time!' she
said.
"The woman was fearless.
"'Yes,' I said, 'it is the only way. I could not live dishonored--you
dishonored me--I die--and die with you!'
"And I rose erect, baring my forehead to the lightning.
"The point was reached. The boat swept on with the speed of a
racehorse. A dazzling flash showed a dark object amid the foam, right
ahead of us. The boat rushed toward it--the jagged teeth seemed
grinning at us--the boat struck--and the next moment I felt the torrent
sweep over me, roaring furious and sombre, like a wild beast that has
caught its prey."
XXVI.
AFTERWARD.
"When I opened my eyes, the sun was shining in my face.
"I was lying on a mass of drift-wood, caught by a ledge of rock,
jutting out into the river. I had apparently been hurled there, by the
force of the current, stunned and bruised; the sunshine had aroused me,
bringing me back to that life which was a burden and a mockery.
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