298 TROPIC DAYS 



rub wore away minute particles of leather. As time 

 passed and the work became still easier, it became more 

 engrossing, until calmness gave way, and every nerve 

 thrilled with excitement, and I was convinced that 

 I would win a joyful passage from this narrow strait by 

 dint of the resolute continuation of the simplest of 

 processes. 



But the long night was not to end with such placid 

 and entertaining occupation. Absorbed in it, sternly 

 waving off all sense of weariness or despair, I was stag- 

 gered and stunned by the fall, among an avalanche of 

 fern debris, of a heavj^ living body on my head .and 

 shoulders — a grunting, struggling thing which kicked 

 and scratched. 



With a despairing shriek, all my vibrant nerves 

 collapsed, as in the darkness and confusion I fought 

 against infernal odds. For one appalling instant I was 

 convinced of the reality of Wylo's most diresome fact, 

 and did furiously believe that I was actuall}'' entrapped 

 in the stronghold of a demon at that moment, intent 

 upon tearing me limb from limb. The most fantastic 

 and horrific of nightmares was actually materialised. 



But at that instant a familiar odour sluiced away all 

 mystery. This struggling thing, from the shock of which 

 my very soul still trembled, was but a fellow-victim — 

 a wallaby which, feeding along the ledge, had happened 

 on the trap made by my fall. 



In a flash of remorseless energy, I seized the panting 

 body, felt for the throat, and, expelling pity from my 

 heart, gripped until all was still. How precious and 

 comforting it was ! And once again all my powers of 

 will and muscle were centred on a single design and action 

 as with machine-like rhythm the boot wore itself against 

 the rock. Disengaged from every other theme, my 

 mind dwelt on the one steady, inevitable purpose. 



