heretic? Why did I? Better were I to ask why you ran the boat's nose
into that bubbling hell. Why did I? What else saved us losing every
pound we carried, together with the woman, you cock-eyed spawn of the
devil, only that Ezekiel Cairnes possessed sufficient sense to throw
himself in the way, upbearing the bulk of the strain? The water was
somewhat deeper than I supposed, and my feet found no bottom, yet 't
was the best thing to do, and the only hope of steadying the boat.
Better for you and that grinning papist yonder to be on your knees
thanking the Almighty He sent you a man this day, than lie there like
so many hooked cods, gasping for breath with which to abuse one of the
Lord's anointed. Yet 'tis but righteous judgment visited upon me for
consorting with papists and unbelievers."

Feeling the possible justice of his claim I hastened to make amends to
the wrathful and worthy man.

"You may be right," I admitted slowly. "Certainly we will return
thanks for deliverance each in his own way. As for me, I greatly
regret having mistrusted your act. Perhaps it was best, yet I think we
have small chance ever to use this boat again. It appears badly
injured. However, we must await daylight to note the damage. In the
meantime, let us make shift to camp; a hot fire will dry our limbs and
clothing, and put us in better humor for the morrow."

CHAPTER XVIII

A HARD DAY'S MARCH

The dawn came with rosy promise of a fair day, a frost lying white over
the grass-land, sufficient nip in the air to stir the blood. Before
the others were aroused I examined the boat, which rested high in the
mud where we had heaved it the evening previous. The cruel rent in the
solid planking was such as to afford little hope of our ever being able
to repair it. How the accident occurred I did not rightly comprehend,
but we had been cast ashore on the western bank of that swift
maelstrom. In the light of dawn, I gazed forth upon the whirlpool
extending between the rock against which we had struck and the bank
where I stood, in speechless wonder at the miracle of our rescue.
Standing there in silence broken only by the wild tumult of the waters,
I thought of Eloise tossed helpless in their merciless grip, and bowed
my head humbly above the shattered boat, offering up a heartfelt
petition. I was not in those days a man of prayer, yet the germ of my
father's robust faith was ever in my blood, and love teaches many a
good l