In his excitement he had forgotten caution and had
slipped to the edge of the water.
I dared not try to go to his assistance; so I crouched perfectly
still and called to him to throw himself flat on his face. How my
eyes strained despairingly as I cursed the pitiless darkness!
Then the scrambling ceased and the boy's voice sounded:
"All right, Paul! All right! Gad, I nearly went!"
A minute later I held his hand in mine. At that point the
incline was at a sharp angle, and we lay flat on our backs. For
many minutes we lay silently gripping hands; Harry was trembling
violently from nervous fatigue, and I myself was unable to speak.
What strength is there in companionship! Alone, either of us
would probably have long before succumbed to the strain of our
horrible situation; but we both took hope and courage from that
hand-clasp.
Finally he spoke:
"In Heaven's name, where are we, Paul?"
"You know as much as I do, Harry. This cursed darkness makes it
impossible even to guess at anything. According to Felipe, we are
being entertained by the devil."
"But where are we? What happened? My head is dizzy--I don't
know--"
I gripped his hand.
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