ierce torrent to a sharp edge, for to swim a foot or two to the left
meant being carried towards the side of the enemy, while to the right
was into swifter water rushing by the island with increased force.

"Stick to it, sir," cried Gedge. "Side-stroke, sir. No fear o' not
keeping afloat. That's your sort. We shall do it. Ah!"

Gedge's last cry was one of rage and disappointment, for, in spite of
their efforts, just as they seemed to be within a few feet of the point
at which they aimed, they found themselves snatched as it were by the
under-current, and, still holding to their half-drowned companion, they
would have been carried past but for a brave effort made by Roberts, who
was prepared for the emergency. By stepping out as far as he dared,
holding by Drummond's long arm, and reaching low, he caught Gedge's
extended hand.

The shock was sharp, and he went down upon his face in the water; but
Drummond held on, the little knot of struggling men swung round to the
side, and in another minute they were among the rocks, where they
regained their feet, and drew the insensible private up on to dry land.

"That was near," said Roberts, who was breathless from exertion. "Hurt,
Drummond?"

"Oh no, not at, all," was the laughing reply. "I never did lie on the
rack, having my arms torn out of the sockets; but it must have been
something like this."

"I'm very sorry," cried Roberts.

"Oh, I'm not, old man. How are you, Bracy--not hit?"

"No, no; I shall be all right directly. Thank you, old chaps, for
saving us. Never mind me; try and see to this poor fellow. I'm afraid
he's drowned."

"No, sir; he ain't, sir," cried Gedge; "he's coming round all right.
It's more that crack in the ear I give him than the water. I hit him as
hard as I could. There! look, gents; his eyes is winking."

It was as the lad said; the unfortunate non-swimmer's eyelids were
quivering slightly, and at the end of a minute he opened them widely and
stared vacantly at the sunny sky. The officers were bending over him,
when they received a broad hint that their position was known, a couple
of shots being fired from the farther bank, higher up-stream, one of
which struck the rock above them and splintered off a few scraps, which
fell pattering down.

"Quick!" cried Roberts. "We must get those two along here for a bit.
The high part will shelter us then; but as soon as possible we must have
another try for the shore."

The shelter