It was a moment of despair, every hope suspended in the balance; my heart beating like a trip-hammer with suspense. The thoroughly enraged guard lifted his gun to the shoulder; there was threat in his eyes, yet I ventured a desperate chance of one more word. "I got de only olibs on dis ribber." "Bastenade!" yelled the infuriated fellow. "I 'll give you a shot to pay for your insolence."