on.

For two days, it must be remembered, they had eaten nothing, and for a
week previous three dry crackers apiece had been their daily allowance.

Chutney, with marvelous endurance, retained his strength and affected a
hopefulness he was far from feeling, though, if the truth were known, a
share of his food for a week past had been secretly given to Sir Arthur,
whose illness had roused his compassion.

The colonel was almost too weak to stand--for his previous captivity had
undermined his constitution, while Melton and the Greek made no efforts
to conceal their sufferings.

Bildad, instead of becoming violent, woke up very weak, and lay helpless
on his rug.

It was pitiful to see how they all turned their pockets inside out and
drove their fingers into the crannies of the logs, hoping to discover a
stray crumb. It was useless to fish, for they had nothing to put on the
hook.

After nightfall, as near as Guy could guess, the river became very
narrow and the current increased perceptibly in speed. The steep and
rocky shores seemed scarcely ten yards apart, and overhead hung masses
of stalactite almost close enough to strike with the paddle.

"We are near the end," said Guy, making an effort to speak calmly in
spite of his sufferings. "Hold out a little longer. I feel sure that we
shall be saved."

"Yes, we are near the end," said the colonel, "very near, Chutney. Our
sufferings will soon be over. You deserve a better fate. I wish----"

"No, no, don't talk that way," cried Guy. "You will live to see the
sunlight again--I am sure of it."

The colonel turned over on his side without making a reply.

"If we don't reach the mouth of the cavern in twenty-four hours, I for
one will never see the light of day," said Melton huskily. "I'd hate to
die in this place. It wouldn't be so hard out under the open sky."

"Water! water!" moaned Sir Arthur feebly, and crawling to the edge of
the raft Guy filled his helmet and put it to the sick man's lips. He
drank deeply and sank back on the rugs.

Guy crept cautiously forward to the front of the raft again--for every
motion was a torture--and resumed his watch ahead, straining his eyes to
catch the first glimpse of light that he felt sure must come before
long.

Faster and faster ran the current now and the shores flitted past like
dim specters. The channel became more turbulent and rocky, and the raft
tossed and trembled as it swept over brawling rapids and grated over