in its
grossness and bestial hatred, less human than demoniacal.

Garth, snatching up his rifle, sprang to his feet, but before he could
point it, Grylls had flung himself upon him, and his mighty arms were
squeezing Garth's ribs into his lungs. The useless weapon dropped to the
deck. Grylls, trusting to his enormous strength, was unarmed; he wished to
crush his adversary without leaving obvious traces of violence. No word
was spoken by either.

They swayed on the narrow seat encircling the stern; and all sound of
the little human struggle was swallowed up in the dreadful uproar of the
elements. Natalie and Charley, but three yards away, heard nothing. Grylls
was the stronger; Garth contented himself with a dogged resistance,
trusting to his better wind to serve him in the end. Meanwhile the
_Loseis_ was continually heaved under their feet, and dropped heavily
on the stones by the mounting breakers; and they maintained a footing
with difficulty. Nick ceaselessly strained to force Garth to his knees.
Failing, he lifted him clear of the deck. At the same instant the boat
lurched drunkenly; and they pitched overboard together.

Somehow, they gained their feet, and stood, still locked together,
while the tumbling waves boiled around their waists, and sucked at their
knees. But Garth had struck his head on the gunwale in falling; his
senses were slipping away, and nausea overcame him. He tried to cry out;
but the feeble sound was lost at his lips. Nick forced him slowly down
until the water broke over his head. Garth was dimly conscious of
hearing him laugh--no one knew; and the explanation next day would be
so simple! But the wholesome chill of the water rolling over his head
revived the swooning Garth. He collected his forces for a last effort;
and, suddenly wrenching his shoulders from under the hands that pressed
them down, he gained his feet, and his hands seized upon Grylls's
throat.

It was the big man's vulnerable point; and a subtle sweetness flooded
Garth's breast as he felt him begin to fail. Foul living was telling in
the end. Grylls struggled for his breath in loud, strangling sobs; and
Garth could hear his bursting heart knock at his ribs. The smith's arms
of him little by little softened of their steely strength; he strove in
vain now to lift Garth off his feet. Garth, cool and strong again, and
always waiting, let him tire himself. He disdained to call for help
now; he even relaxed his grip on the thick