The Soul of Pierre

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890. Excerpt: ... III. HILE he was swimming with all his W strength toward the drowning man, Pierre, his figure brought into sharp relief by the light of the moon, at the moment unclouded, had been perceived by the customhouse officers, who were in ambush on the cliff. Two shots, passing close to him, a sharp whizzing sound in his ears, a dash of spray thrown up by the ball, told him that he had been taken for a smuggler. He raised himself on the crest of a wave and cast a rapid glance around. Ten yards away a black form was struggling in an eddy; two hundred yards farther off the boat, impelled by the efforts of the rowers, was making for the cutter, which tacked about in the open sea. A few vigorous strokes brought Pierre beside the wretch who was struggling desperately though almost unconsciously with the waves. Pierre grasped him vigorously, raised his head above the water, and with all the force of his lungs gave a cry, which, borne from wave to wave, reached the boat. The man at the tiller raised himself up at this appeal, looked around attentively, and perceiving the two men struggling in the water in the moonlight, responded with a sharp whistle. Immediately the oars ceased to strike the surface of the water. The boat stopped, and the cutter, as if obeying orders previously received, headed toward the land. Weighed down by his human freight, and collecting all his strength, Pierre made slow progress. His clothes clinging to his body prevented the free movement of his limbs, and he could scarcely breathe. The waves now passed over his head. He no longer made an effort to swim. It seemed to him that an irresistible power drew him downward, and that invisible bonds weighed heavily upon his limbs. A buzzing sound filled his ears, and his darkened vision could no longer...