He quickly realized that he was nearing the cliffs and the flashes were the mighty waves that broke in fury against them.

Knowing that to approach them would be certain death, he unlashed his paddle and made a frantic endeavor to back off through the enormous waves that were driving him slowly but surely to destruction.

Notwithstanding his almost superhuman efforts he was carried in by an irresistible force closer and closer to the death dealing cliffs.

At the same time he noticed by the changing head lands that the currents were driving him to the southward and hoping for an opening in the threatening wall of rock, he redoubled his efforts to gain more sea room.

At times the enormous waves seemed to lift him almost to the surface of the cliffs, then again he sank far below while they seemed to raise like a cloud against the sky.