Dick Cheveley | Page 7

had my float in
the water. The ground, which was covered with moss rather than grass,
sloped quietly down to the water, and was excessively slippery. As I
held my rod, expecting every moment to get a bite, I heard a low
whistling sound coming from the bushes close to me. At first I thought
it was produced by young frogs, but where they were I could not make
out. I observed that several of the swans I have before mentioned were
floating on the surface not far off. Now one, now another would put
down its long neck in search of fish or water insects. Presently one of
them caught sight of me, and came swimming rapidly towards the
extreme point of the bank. In an instant it landed, and half-flying,
half-running over the ground, came full at me through the bushes. To
retreat was impossible, should it intend to attack me, but I hoped it
would not venture to do so. Before, however, I had any time for
considering the matter, it suddenly spread its powerful wings, with one
of which it dealt me such a blow, that before I could recover I was sent
down the slippery bank, and plunged head over heels into the water. In
my fright I let go my rod, but instinctively held out my hands to grasp
whatever I could get hold of.
The swan, not content with its first success, came after me, when, by
some means or other. I caught hold of it by one of its legs. To this day I
don't know how it happened. The water was deep, and I had very little
notion of swimming, and having once got hold of something to support
myself I was not inclined to let go, while the swan was as much
astonished at being seized hold of as I was. I shouted and bawled for
help, although, as no one was likely to be at the pond at that early hour,
or passing in the neighbourhood, there was little chance of obtaining
assistance.
Away flew the swan, spreading out her broad wings to enable her to
rise above the surface. Instead of seeking the land, to my horror, she
dragged me right out towards the middle of the pond; while the other
swans, alarmed at seeing the extraordinary performance of their
companion, flew off in all directions. Fortunately I was able to keep my
head above the surface, but was afraid of getting a kick from the other
leg of the swan as she struck the water with it to assist herself in

making her onward way, but as I held her captive foot at arm's length,
fortunately she did not touch me. I dared not let go with one of my
hands, or I should have tried to seize it. Whether it was instinct or not
which induced her to carry me away from her nest I cannot tell, but that
seemed to be her object. I felt as if I was in a horrid dream, compelled
to hold on, and yet finding myself dragged forward against my will.
The pond was a long and narrow one, but it seemed wider than it had
ever done before. The swan, instead of going across to the opposite
bank, took a course right down the centre. My shouts and shrieks must
have filled her with alarm. On and on she went flapping her huge wings.
I knew that my life depended upon being able to hold fast to her foot,
but my arms were beginning to ache, and it seemed to me that we were
still a long way from the end. When we got there, I could not tell what
she might do. Perhaps, I thought, she might turn round and attack me
with beak and wings, when, exhausted by my struggles, I should be
unable to defend myself. Still I dared not venture to let go. I heartily
wished that I had been a good swimmer, because then, when we got
near the end, I might have released her and struck out, either for one
side or the other. As it was, my safety depended on being dragged by
her to the shore. She frequently struck the water with her wings.
Showers of spray came flying over my head, which prevented me from
seeing how near I was to it. At last I began to fear that I should be
unable to hold on long enough. My arms ached, and my hands felt
cramped, still the love of life induced me not to give in.
I shouted again and again. Presently I heard a shout in return.
"Hold on, young fellow. Hold on, you'll be all right." This encouraged
me, for I knew that help was at hand. Suddenly,