The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1907-05-15
no see that omInous dorsal nm enter

10 see that ominous dorsal nm enter
land cleave the water of the cave, and
thus raise our sensations to the ell
max of horror bafore ending forever
our nerve rackine vigil. But 1t came
not. And so we commenced to hope
that our trick had been successful; I;
to hope with an intensity that shut
out all other emotions.
Now, II ever, the moment for
leaving the cavern had come. Yet
we felt loath to so, for blood still
trickled occasionally from the doc
tors wounded foot-manifestly a
state of things that enhanced our
danger tenfold. Still go we must,
and each must take his chance.
Calming myself as best could,
whispered: Doctor, who leads the
Iway?"
| "You, II you like" he rejoined.
: In this reply there was nothing
suggestive of cowardliness, for to
follow in the wake of trail of
blood left by the doctors foot was,
In the event of the keen scented
shark being absent from the inlet,
equally as dangerous as swimming
in the lead in case the brute was
still present. So l decided to lead.
| Quietly slid down into the water
and anXiously commenced to breast
the tide. At the cavern's mouth 1
heard a quiet splash behind met
was the doctor entering the water
The ordeal of our lives was now COM
menced in earnest.
Passing through the entrance with
a prayer on my lips, l swan into the
sunlit zone of my danger. For a
moment l was blinded by the myriads
of dazzling lights that danced upon
the surrounding wavelets, and in that
moment my consciousness became
filmed over with the fear of death.
With an effort l regained my self
control and struck out boldly. With
what soul narrowing dread during
those first few strokes l scanned the
waters no pen of mine can adequate
ly describe; never, hope, shall
|
with mixed feelings of pleasure and
grave concern at finding the death
bringing fin absent, 1 headed for the
opposite shore with all my might and
main. Would the shark scent us
and return? That was the thought
that ranked in my mind.
Halfway across, as l turned my
head seawards, / fancied l saw the
dreaded fin projecting above the even
surface of the ocean. To fancy 1t led
me to dwell upon the horrible reality
of it, and my speed, in consequence,
soon diminished. With a great men,
tai effort I forced my thoughts into
other channels; then I commenced to
forge ahead again.
1t was not far nova few more
feet and l would be safe.
A moment more and I touched a
rock, and pulled myself ashore. 1
was saved.
But what about my poor friend
the doctor? Turning, I beheld him
about thirty feet from the shore,
swimming very feebly. In his wake
floated crimson stain and clot or
two of blood-his death scent. His
face was CHASTITY pale, and its express
sion painfully haggard and although
a flash of courage spasmodically il
Illuminated the features I could see 1t
betokened speedy collapse. No
doubt, seeing that was safe, he had
taken an extremely pessimistic view
of his own position. He commenced
to swim lower in the water, and re-
allied he was about to drown! doc
tor, doctor!" shouted. Buck up!
Don't be afraid! There's nothing
dangerous near you. Everything's 8
quite clear. Fire away"
The spasm of despair had passed
Well for him that it had, for at that
moment was about to plunge in to
help him the deadly fin suddenly ap-
peared close at hand. There, few
dozen feet from the inlet's mouth,
seeking the deep water ingress. My
eyes travelled from the fin to the doc
tor. and tried to weigh up the
chances between them. If the shark
delayed little there was chance
just chance.
Meanwhile the doctor, innocent OF
his danger, was swimming a great
deal better. But suddenly as
glanced furtively seaward, the huge
fin abruptly turned its thin edge to.
wards the entrance, and the brute
came tearing up the entrance pas
sage in series Of tacks as 1t crossed
and recrossed the scent of blood
What was l to do? A few moments
more and all would be over.
With voice into which I tried to
force an air of calmness l cried.
Swim up, old man! Put up more
strength behind those strokes-that
is better!"
Out of the corner of my eve I saw
the fin drawing steadily nearer.
Keep your eye on NEEDN'T lei
1t stray!" I called again. MAKE
for this rock"
The fin was now heading directl;
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