I attempted to shift my saddle-bags upon her
powerful horse, but being full of water and under water, the attempt
failed, and as we spoke both our horses were carried off their
vantage ground into deep water.
With wilder fury the river rushed by, its waters whirled dizzily,
and, in spite of spurring and lifting with the rein, the horses were
swept seawards. It was a very fearful sight. I saw Deborah's horse
spin round, and thought woefully of the possible fate of the bright
young wife, almost a bride; only the horses' heads and our own heads
and shoulders were above water; the surf was thundering on our left,
and we were drifting towards it "broadside on." When I saw the
young girl's face of horror I felt increased presence of mind, and
raising my voice to a shriek, and telling her to do as I did, I
lifted and turned my mare with the rein, so that her chest and not
her side should receive the force of the river, and the brave
animal, as if seeing what she should do, struck out desperately. It
was a horrible suspense. Were we stemming the torrent, or was it
sweeping us back that very short distance which lay between us and
the mountainous breakers? I constantly spurred my mare, guiding her
slightly to the left, the side grew nearer, and after exhausting
struggles, Deborah's horse touched ground, and her voice came
faintly towards me like a voice in a dream, still calling "Spur,
spur.
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