The skiff creaked and danced upon the river.

She could not close her eyes, a frightful contraction kept them wide open riveted on the hideous struggle.

She remained rigid and mute.
"Therese! Therese!" again cried the unfortunate man who was in the throes of death.
At this final appeal, Therese burst into sobs.

Her nerves had given way.
The attack she had been dreading, cast her to the bottom of the boat, where she remained doubled up in a swoon, and as if dead.
Laurent continued tugging at Camille, pressing with one hand on his throat.

With the other hand he ended by tearing his victim away from the side of the skiff, and held him up in the air, in his powerful arms, like a child.