"We've beat them out.

WE'RE SAFE!" They swung around a bend, and the white spume of the rapids lay half a mile ahead of them.

The current began to race with them now.

Kent put his whole weight on the sweep to keep the scow in mid-channel.
"We're safe," he repeated.

"Do you understand, Marette?
WE'RE SAFE!" He was speaking the words for which she had waited, was telling her that at last the hour had come when she could keep her promise to him.
The words, as he gave them voice, thrilled him.