Just in time I saw that one of the remaining three had lifted
himself in the water not five feet away, with his spear aimed at
my breast. But the poor devil had no purchase for his feet and
the thing went wide.
The next instant he had received a ten-pound stone full in the
face and went down with a gurgle. At that the remaining two,
seeming to acquire a glimmering of intelligence, turned and swam
hastily away. I let them go.
Turning to Harry, I saw that the crevice also was clear. He had
left his post and started toward me, but I waved him back.
"All right here, Hal: have they given it up?"
There was an expression of the most profound disgust on his face.
"Paul, it's rank butchery. I'm wading in blood. Will this thing
never stop?"
I looked at him and said merely: "Yes."
No need to ask when; he understood me; he sent me the glance of a
man who has become too familiar with death to fear it, and
answered:
"Another hour of this, and--I'm ready."
I told him to keep an eye on both points of attack and went
across to where Desiree sat crouched on the ground. I hadn't many
words.
"How is your foot?"
"Oh, it is better; well.
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