Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/345

 the current became ever swifter. It was, accordingly, with some relief, that, following the directions conspicuously displayed at certain places, I found myself in comparatively still water near the apex of the island. Here a broad stairway of marble led up to a spacious colonnade situated in the northern extremity of a public garden. This spot was, especially toward sunset, a favorite resort whence to view the splendid effects of light upon the towering masses of vapor that marked the spot where the mighty river plunged into the abyss. In the course of restless ages, the waters had hollowed out their bed, till, at the time now referred to, the plunge was taken at the spot where the river takes a sudden bend from west to north. This circumstance afforded a facility now unknown for viewing the falls, or fall, since there was no longer a break in their continuity. From the western bank the spectator could see the whole mass of waters precipitate itself in one mighty concave into the yawning gulf before his feet.

After learning the bearings and distances, I was somewhat doubtful of our ability to reach this spot in the time at our disposal, even for a fugitive glance. The look of disappointment in Reva's eyes, when I expressed this opinion, put all hesitation to flight; and soon we were steering for the western shore.

"I had set my heart greatly on standing here in your company," said Reva, as we stood together before the wondrous spectacle, to her altogether new, to me, some way, strangely familiar. "This will be a moment to think of during the long interval before we can have such another day."