The increase in light gave me by this time a wider view of my surroundings, but brought with it no increase of hope.

I was utterly alone, and only by swimming could I attain either bank.
How far I had aimlessly drifted down stream during the night was a mere matter of conjecture.

I possessed no knowledge of where I was.

No familiar object along shore afforded any clue as to my position, and I could not even determine which bank offered me the greater chance of assistance.

Each appeared about equally bare and desolate, entirely devoid of promise.