As we neared the column the current which tended to carry us to
the right became stronger, but still we seemed not to be
approaching the bank. What could it mean? The struggle against it
was fast taking our strength.
Looking up, I saw that we had swung round to the other side of
the column--it was between us and the alcove. Then I understood.
We were in a whirlpool, ever increasing in force, which was
carrying us swiftly in a circle from left to right and
approaching the column.
I called a swift warning to Harry, who was some ten feet to my
left, and he answered that he understood. The stones from the
bank were falling thick about us now; one struck me on the
shoulder, turning me half round.
The current became swifter--so swift that we were almost helpless
against it and were carried around and around the column, which
was but a few feet away. And always complete silence.
Nearer and nearer we were carried, till, thrusting out my arm,
the tips of my fingers brushed against the side of the column.
The water whirled with the rapidity of a mill-stream; ten more
seconds and our brains would have been dashed against the
unyielding stone.
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