When we were in the middle the bridge swayed, rocked backwards and forwards, and it was difficult for either of us to keep footing.

A gallant colonel who was following us went down upon his hands and knees and crept.

In the meantime a peasant was assuring our admiring friends that the river was deep at that spot, and that four persons had been lost from the bridge.

I was so sick with fright that I could scarcely stand when all was over, never having contemplated an heroic act.

'Why, what a courageous creature you are!' said our friends.