might pull them under. Alone he would have risked it recklessly, but
with her added weight in his arms, he realized how a single false step
would be fatal. The farther shore was invisible; he could perceive
nothing but the slight gleam of water lapping the sand at his feet, as
it flowed slowly, noiselessly past, and beyond, the dim outline of a
narrow sand ridge. Even this, however, was encouragement, proving the
shallowness of the stream. He turned about, his face so close he could
see her eyes.

"We shall have to try it, Miss McDonald; you must permit me to carry
you."

"Yes."

"And whatever happens do not scream--just cling tight to me."

"Yes," a little catching in her throat. "Tell me first, please, just
what it is you fear."

"Quicksand principally; it is in all these western rivers, and the two
of us together on one pair of feet will make it harder to pull out of
the suck. If I tell you to get down, do so quickly."

"Yes."

"Then there may be holes out there in the bottom. I don't mind those
so much, although these cavalry boots are no help in swimming."

"I can swim."