An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge Page #3

								


He was not conscious of an effort, but a sharp pain in his wrist apprised him that he was trying to free his hands.  He gave the struggle his attention, as an idler might observe the feat of a juggler, without interest in the outcome.  What splendid effort!--what magnificent, what superhuman strength!  Ah, that was a fine endeavor! Bravo!  The cord fell away; his arms parted and floated upward, the hands dimly seen on each side in the growing light.  He watched them with a new interest as first one and then the other pounced upon the noose at his neck.  They tore it away and thrust it fiercely aside, its undulations resembling those of a water snake.  "Put it back, put it back!"  He thought he shouted these words to his hands, for the undoing of the noose had been succeeded by the direst pang that he had yet experienced.  His neck ached horribly; his brain was on fire, his heart, which had been fluttering faintly, gave a great leap, trying to force itself out at his mouth.  His whole body was racked and wrenched with an insupportable anguish! But his disobedient hands gave no heed to the command.  They beat the water vigorously with quick, downward strokes, forcing him to the surface.  He felt his head emerge; his eyes were blinded by the sunlight; his chest expanded convulsively, and with a supreme and crowning agony his lungs engulfed a great draught of air, which instantly he expelled in a shriek!
								Rate this book:
3.0 / 3 votes