As time went on the scene in the dungeon became terrible. Shouts,
oaths, cries of all kinds, rose in the air. Round the window men fought
like wild beasts, tearing each other down, or clinging to the bars for
dear life, for a breath of the air without. Panting, struggling, crying,
men sank exhausted upon the floor, and the last remnants of life were
trodden out of them by those who surged forward to get near the window.
In vain Mr. Holwell implored them to keep quiet for their own sakes.
His voice was lost in the terrible din. Men, a few hours ago rich and
respected merchants, fought now like maddened beasts for a breath of
fresh air. In vain those at the window screamed to the guards without,
imploring them to bring water. Their prayers and entreaties were
replied to only with brutal scoffs.
Several times Charlie and Tim, standing together against the wall
behind, where there was now room to move, lifted Ada between them, and
sat her on their shoulders in order that, raised above the crowd, she
might breathe more freely. Each time, after sitting there for a while,
the poor girl begged to come down again, the sight of the terrible
struggle ever going on at the window being too much for her.
Hour passed after hour. There was more room now, for already half the
inmates of the place had succumbed. The noises, too, had lessened, for
no longer could the parched lips and throats utter articulate sounds.
Charlie and Tim, strong men as they were, leaned utterly exhausted
against the wall, bathed in perspiration, gasping for air.
"Half the night must be gone, Tim," Charlie said, "and I think, with
God's help, we shall live through it. The numbers are lessening fast,
and every one who goes leaves more air for the rest of us. Cheer up,
Ada dear, 'twill not be very long till morning."
"I think I shall die soon," the girl gasped. "I shall never see papa or
mamma again. You have been very kind, Captain Marryat, but it is no
use."
"Oh, but it is of use," Charlie said cheerfully. "I don't mean to let
you die at all, but to hand you over to mamma safe and sound. There,
lay your head against me, dear, and say your prayers, and try and go off
to sleep."
Presently, however, Ada's figure drooped more and more, until her whole
weight leaned upon Charlie's arm.
"She has fainted, Tim," he said. "Help me to raise her well in my arms,
and lay her head on my shoulder. That's right. Now you'll find her
shawl somewhere under my feet; hold it up and make a fan of it. Now try
to send some air into her face."
By this time not more than fifty out of the hundred and forty-six who
entered the cell were alive. Suddenly a scream of joy from those near
the window proclaimed that a native was approaching with some water. The
struggle at the window was fiercer than ever. The bowl was too wide to
pass through the bars, and the water was being spilt in vain; each man
who strove to get his face far enough through to touch the bowl being
torn back by his eager comrades behind.