I saw where the water sank on the brink and I knew that was the course of the channel, and I also knew that my only chance of safety was to reach that point.

All my energies were directed to it and in an instant I was on the brink of, a series of falls, tumbling from ledge to ledge like the steps of a colossal staircase.

Fortunately I struck the deep channel--my only safe course.

I was covered with foam and spray and could not see.

All I could do was to trust to Providence and the depth of water, and I shortly found myself twisting around in a great pool below.