us current; and at last came that which
they had been expecting--a heavy bump, as the prow struck against a
rock-face so heavily that they were both jerked forward on to their
hands, while the boat was jarred from stem to stern.

They listened with a feeling of expectant awe for the noise of water
rushing in; but none came, and a little feeling about was sufficient
test to prove that there was no more than had come in through the bullet
hole. But while they were waiting there came another heavy blow, and
their state of helplessness added to their misery.

"Oh, if it was only light!" groaned Mike.

"Yes, we could use the oars or hook to fend her off."

Bump went the boat again, and they caught at the side to save
themselves, conscious now, in the thick darkness, that they were being
whirled round and round in some great whirlpool-like eddy, which dealt
with the boat as if it were a cork.

"Don't seem as if we can do anything," said Vince at last, as the boat
swept along, with the water lapping and gurgling about them just as if
it were full of hungry tongues anticipating the feast to come as soon as
they were sucked down.

"No," said Mike, "it doesn't seem as if we can do anything."

"'Cept one thing, Mike," said Vince in a low deep tone, which did not
sound like his own voice.

"What?"

"Say our prayers--for the last time."

And in the midst of that intense darkness, black as ebony on either
side, while above and below there were still the bright glittering and
softened streaks of light, there was an interval of solemn silence.

Vince was the first to break that silence, and there was something quite
cheerful in his tones now as he said,--

"Shake hands, Mikey: I'm sorry you and I haven't always been good
friends. I have often been a regular beast to you."

Mike grasped the extended hands in a firm grip with both of his, as he
said, in a choking voice,--

"Not half so bad as I've been to you, Cinder. I've got such a hasty
temper sometimes."

"Get out!" cried Vince sharply. "There, I'm better now. I'm afraid
we're going to be drowned, Ladle, but I feel as if we ought to be doing
something to try and save ourselves. It's being so cowardly to sit
still here. They wouldn't like it at home."

"But what can we do? I'm ready."

"So am I; but it's so dark. I say, though, we must be going round and
round in a sort of hole."

"Then we shall be drawn right down somewhere into the earth."

"Not tha