Thus, as the rap came on the barrel which told me I was cut loose, and
no human power could avail me, for I was started on a trip no traveler
had ever taken, my heart swelled, and for some moments I felt as though
I were being suffocated, but I determined to be brave. By a supreme
effort of will I calmed myself at once, and began earnestly to pray--if
it was God’s will to spare my life, if not to give me an easy death.
The trip through the Rapids was nothing but a pleasant sensation. I
could feel the barrel toss and often turning partly over, until I
come to first _drop_ over a reef, when the bottom caught for a
moment. The barrel swerved, and for a moment I thought I would go head
first, but with a jerk it loosened, turned foot down, and plunged to
the bottom. I felt the water close over my head, but was not hurt. The
barrel rose to the surface instantly, and pursued its course.