Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/108

86 and the poor boy felt that his last moment in life was at hand. He wanted to breathe, and at last, unable to stand it longer, opened his mouth and gulped in the sea water. Then his head began to swim around, strange lights flashed before his eyes, and he lapsed into unconsciousness. He felt a second loosening of the line, followed by another tremendous jerk and a snap, and then knew no more.

On and on came the jollyboat, those aboard hardly knowing in what direction to head. Walter's eyes were cast to the right, and the officer's to the left.

"There! there!" cried the young sailor at length. "To the right, and be quick, or he will go down again!"

The rowboat was swung around with all possible speed and the rowers bent lustily to their task. Up went the boat on the top of one billow and then down and down in front of that to follow. Walter continued on the watch, and in his hand he held his pocket-knife, wide open and ready for use, should it be required.

Si had gone down twice when the boat came within a furlong of him. Now his body turned and began to sink again. Walter saw the drawn, half-lifeless face, and the sight chilled him to the very soul. Like