220 STILL SINKING.

so that I was unable to draw them off, and I could
feel that I was still sinking slowly but surcly, as
though some subterraneous monster was Icisurely
dragging me down. ‘This very thought caused me
a thrill of horror, and I called aloud for help. To
whom ? There was no one within miles of me—no
living thing. Yes! the neigh of my horse an-
swered me from the hill, mocking me in my
despair.

‘‘T bent forward as well as my constrained position
would admit, and, with frenzied fingers, commencd
tearing up the sand. I could barely reach the sur-
face, and the little hollow I was able to make filled
up almost as soon as it had been formed. A thought
occurred tome. My rifle might support me, placed
horizontally. I looked for it. It was not to be
seen ; it had sunk beneath the sand. Could I throw
my body flat, and prevent myself from sinking
deeper? No; the water was two feet in depth, and
I should drown at once! This last hope left me as
soon as formed. I could think of no plan to save
myself; I could make no further effort. A strange
stupor seized upon me. My very thouglits became
paralyzed. For a moment I wag mad.

“ After an interval mysenses returned. I made an
effort to rouse my mind from its paralysis, in order
that I might meet death, which I now believed
to he inevitable, asa man should. TI raised mnyseli.