A TERRIBLE RIDE.

Their first act showed the true character of these brave men.

"Let us thank God for our deliverance," said Guy solemnly, and kneeling
on the wet sand--an example that was followed by all--he offered a
simple and fervent prayer.

Renewed hope was visible on their faces when they rose to their feet in
the dim light of the torch.

"We will put the raft together," said Guy, "and then have something to
eat before we start."

It was but a short distance to the water's edge, and by all working
industriously the logs were soon lying on the sandy beach, and Forbes
was fastening them together as before.

Bildad, from the warmth of the rugs, watched these proceedings with a
look of mute wonder on his dusky features.

As soon as the raft was ready the baggage was placed on it.

"Take the canoe along," said Forbes. "It is too badly shattered by the
fall to use, but it will furnish us with torches and firewood."

There was room to spare, so the boat was placed on one end of the raft,
and then sitting on the sand they made a hearty meal of crackers and
figs.

"I don't admire the appearance of that river very much," remarked the
colonel. "It comes through the cliff as though shot by a cannon. No
wonder, though, when you think of the terrible pressure from above."

"We will make up for lost time by rapid traveling, then," said Forbes.

"Ah, you think so?" cried Sir Arthur. "Bless me, I hope we will. I have
an engagement to dine with Lord Balsover at the Hotel Bombay at Aden on
the 10th at six o'clock in the evening. He touches there on his way to
India, and I can't disappoint him, you know."

"Drop him a few lines, Ashby, and postpone the engagement a couple of
weeks," remarked the colonel dryly.

"Bless me! Can I do that?" ejaculated Sir Arthur.

The laugh that followed was cut short by Guy's short, decisive voice:
"Get ready, it's time to start."

The raft lay partly in the water, and with a hearty shove from all it
was pushed clear of the shore. Forbes and Canaris held it while it
tossed up an down in the swirling eddies.

"Get on board," directed Guy, setting the example himself, and assisting
Bildad.

Forbes remained on shore, holding the corner of the raft till all had
passed on board. It trembled fiercely in his grasp, as though eager to
be off on the journey.

Far overhead the abandoned torch was glowing dimly on the summit of the
cliff, a patch of brightness that