I DELIGHT IX AX ITRIGIIT ATTITUDE. 
423 
Avitbout support of some kiutl, and began to bunt up 
a means of increasing my weight. A most ingenious 
device soon crossed my mind, but unfortunately it was 
purely tbeoretical; — could I only fill my pockets and bat 
with the loose pebbles that were working under my feet, 
I might increase my weight sufficently to enable me to 
dispense with that of the musket; but, upon stooping 
carefully down to feel for these loose stones, I was con- 
vinced of its impracticability, narrowly escaping losing 
my foothold, and was glad to regain an upright attitude. 
I began to look anxiously around and wonder if I was 
destined to have my ribs broken against those jagged 
rocks, or if there was a possibility of my being able to 
steer clear of them should I cast myself with the rush- 
ing current and trust to swimming on shore after being 
swept into the revolving waters of the lower pool. Then 
again I thought it might be better to hold my ground as 
long as possible, until I could attract the attention of 
some one; and to this end I strained my lungs to their 
utmost, hoping that the previously-mentioned Ethiopian 
would hear me and be induced to attempt a rescue. In 
this I was fortunately successful; but the jar of the exer- 
tion nearly cost me another loss of footing, and the Ethi- 
opian, instead of advancing to my assistance, quietly 
folded his hands over the muzzle of his gun and re- 
garded my position with great appai'ent complacency. 
In the mean time the pebbly bottom was gradually work- 
ing from under my feet. I began to feel uncomfortably 
light, and, finding that I should certainly be swept away 
in a few more seconds, determined to exert myself in 
some way while it remained optional. I therefore cau- 
