The swampy lake extended for about half a mile from where they were
standing to the lower buttresses of the mountain. Feathery purple
reeds showed themselves here and there through the shallows. The
water was dark green. Maskull did not see how they were going to
cross it.

Joiwind caught his arm. "Perhaps you don't know that the lake will
bear us?"

Panawe walked onto the water; it was so heavy that it carried his
weight. Joiwind followed with Maskull. He instantly started to slip
about--nevertheless the motion was amusing, and he learned so fast,
by watching and imitating Panawe, that he was soon able to balance
himself without assistance. After that he found the sport excellent.

For the same reason that women excel in dancing, Joiwind's half falls
and recoveries were far more graceful and sure than those of either
of the men. Her slight, draped form--dipping, bending, rising,
swaying, twisting, upon the surface of the dark water--this was a
picture Maskull could not keep his eyes away from.

The lake grew deeper. The gnawl water became green-black. The
crags, gullies, and precipices of the shore could now be
distinguished in detail. A waterfall was visible, descending several
hundred feet. The surface of the lake grew disturbed--so much so
that Maskull had difficulty in keeping his balance. He therefore
threw himself down and started swimming on the face of the water.
Joiwind turned her head, and laughed so joyously that all her teeth
flashed in the sunlight.