As he neared the frontier village he noticed the utmost excitement amongst the crowds congregated on the banks.

From their wild gesticulations, he could see they were shouting; but he thought they were simply cheering him and continued his rapid approach on the swollen stream.

When near enough he saw that their faces were pale and they were making motions for him to stop; but the current was so swift that such a thing was impossible.

He was irresistibly carried along by the terrible force.

He next noticed several guards rush out on the bridge, who, throwing off their coats, began quickly to turn heavy cranks, and then he saw the sheet of glistening hooks rising slowly from the water.