when within
throwing distance.

Gray swam swiftly, but he saw that it was hopeless, and that he must
soon be overtaken and perish. Still he did not despair, for his career
had before now seemed as near its end. _Nil desperandum_ was the motto
of his life, and like some hunted hare he kept his eye upon his
pursuers, meaning to try and dive the moment he saw an effort made to
hurl a spear.

He might perhaps escape by diving. At all events, it was his only
chance, and he swam on, with the boat now rapidly getting near.

Perhaps, he thought, they might not throw, but wait to thrust at him.
If so, that would give him longer time; but no, there was no chance of
that, for now he saw one of the Malays poise his spear, and draw himself
back, to throw it with all his force.

Gray saw no more, but with a shuddering sensation, as he seemed to feel
the deadly weapon pierce him between the shoulders, he made a tremendous
effort, and dived down, swimming beneath the surface with all his might,
till compelled to rise for breath.

As his head appeared above water a spear grazed his shoulder, and
another passed just over his ear when he dived again, still pursuing the
same tactics, and swimming beneath the surface.

Again he rose, and another spear splashed the water in his face, while
the shaft of the next struck him a sharp rap, as the blade narrowly
shaved his ear.

Down once more; but now he was weaker. The intense excitement and the
need of breath exhausted him, and though he strove hard to keep down,
his efforts began to prove vain. He had seen, the last time, that the
boat was closer to him, and he felt sure that now on rising he should be
within reach of one or other of the spearmen.

Still he made another effort to keep below, for though he was
suffocating, and began to feel confused, weak, and helpless, these
moments were moments of life, whereas the instant he reached the surface
he knew that all was over.

In his confused, sense-benumbed state, he felt that after all he had
done his duty, and he recalled the calm, trusting look directed at him
by Miss Linton as he passed her that morning. Then the water above him
grew lighter, and he rose to the surface, striking out but feebly now,
as he saw the boat close at hand, heard a shout from the Malays, and saw
one of the men in the bow lean over to thrust his spear into the
helpless swimmer, now almost at his feet.

CHAPTER FORTY SIX.

SHOWS HOW BOB ROBERTS