The greater part of the men, unaccustomed to rowing, had little control over their boats.

Collisions were frequent, and numbers of the boats were upset and their occupants drowned.

The canoe which carried Malchus was making fair progress, but, to his vexation, was no longer in the front line.

He was urging the paddlers to exert themselves to the utmost, when Nessus gave a sudden cry.
A horse which had broken loose from its fastenings behind one of the barges was swimming down, frightened and confused at the din.

It was within a few feet of them when Nessus perceived it, and in another moment it struck the canoe broadside with its chest.