All my energies
were directed to it and in an instant I was on the brink of, a series
of falls, tumbling from ledge to ledge like the steps of a colossal
staircase. Fortunately I struck the deep channel--my only safe course. I
was covered with foam and spray and could not see. All I could do was
to trust to Providence and the depth of water, and I shortly found
myself twisting around in a great pool below. Half stunned and almost
smothered by frequent submerging and the weight of the volume of water
that had fallen on me, I drifted helplessly toward the bank. The next
thing I remembered was hearing sounds above me and a hand reaching down
and grasping me, while a voice in French said:
"You live!"
"It's about all I do," was my answer.
Then strong arms hauled me out on the bank. The one who had addressed me
was a priest, and through the midst of a madly excited crowd he
escorted me up the street to the palace of the archbishop, a quaint old
building, almost in ruins. Here every possible kindness was extended
from the civil, military and religious authorities. At the banquet
tendered me I was dressed in a suit of clothes half clerical, half
military; but I enjoyed it as well as my tired bones would permit. I
excused myself as early as I could and went to bed with the intention of
making a start in the morning; but when morning came I felt so broken
up and sore that I concluded to remain over and rest a day.
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