of the picture, as the white water splashed up on every side, and at
times seemed actually to cover the whole party in its scattering foam.
The Friar, now leaning back, tore open one of the curtains, and at
the same instant I saw a female arm stretch out and clasp him, while a
shrill cry burst forth that thrilled to my very heart.

They were already within a few yards of the cataract; a moment or two
more, they must be over it and lost! I spurred Charry forward, and down
we plunged into the water, without the slightest thought of what was to
follow. Half swimming, half bounding, I reached the wagon, which now,
broadside on the falls, tottered with every stroke of the fast rolling
river. The Mexican was standing on the pole, and endeavoring to hold
back the horse; while the Friar, ripping the canvas with his knife,
was endeavoring to extricate the female figure, who, sunk on her knees,
seemed utterly incapable of any effort for her own safety.

Whether maddened by the bite of some monster beneath the water, or
having lost his footing, I know not, but the horse went over the falls,
while the Mexican, vainly endeavoring to hold him, was carried down with
him; the wagon, reeling with the shock, heeled over to the side, and was
fast sinking, when I caught hold of the outstretched hand of the woman
and drew her towards me. "Leap, spring towards him!" cried the Friar;
and she obeyed the words, and, with a bound, seated herself behind me.

Breasting the water bravely, Charry bounded on, and in less than a
minute reached the bank, which the Friar, by the aid of a leaping-pole,
had gained before us.

Having placed the half-lifeless girl on the sward, I hastened to see
after the poor Mexican. Alas! of him and the horse we never saw trace
afterwards. We called aloud, we shouted, and even continued along the
stream for a considerable space; but to no purpose, the poor fellow had
evidently perished,--perhaps by a death too horrible to think of. The
Friar wrung his hands in agony, and mingled his thanksgiving for his own
safety with lamentations for his lost companion; and so intent was he on
these themes that he never recognized me, nor, indeed, seemed conscious
of my presence. At last, as we turned our steps towards where the girl
lay, he said, "Is it possible that you are the caballero we parted with
before sunset?"

"Yes," said I, "the same. You were loth to accept of my company, but
you see there is a fate in it, after all;