The shriek she uttered only hastened the catastrophe she feared; for
the child lost its balance, and fell into the stream. Scream now
followed scream in rapid succession, as the agonized mother rushed to
the bank.

One glance at the situation was enough. To take off his coat and
plunge in after the drowning child were but the actions of a moment.

On went the youth and child; and it was miraculous how each escaped
being dashed to pieces against the rocks. Twice the boy went out of
sight, and a suppressed shriek escaped the mother's lips; but twice he
reappeared, and with great anxiety she followed his progress, as his
tiny form was hurried onward with the current.

The youth now appeared to redouble his exertions, for they were
approaching the most dangerous part of the river. The rush of the
waters at this spot was tremendous, and no one ventured to approach,
even in a canoe, lest he should be dashed in pieces. What, then, would
be the youth's fate, unless he soon overtook the child? He urged his
way through the foaming current with desperate strength.

Three times he was on the point of grasping the child, when the waters
whirled the prize from him. The third effort was made above the fall;
and when it failed, the mother groaned, fully expecting the youth to
give up his task. But no; he only pressed forward the more eagerly.

And now, like an arrow from the bow, pursuer and pursued shot to the
brink of the precipice. An instant they hung there, distinctly visible
amid the foaming waters. Every brain grew dizzy at the sight. But a
shout of exultation burst from the spectators, when they saw the boy