Summoning all his nerve and alertness, he urged his horse slowly forward, the intelligent animal seemingly comprehending the situation, and feeling carefully for footing.

The actions of the animal gave the rider greater confidence, and he loosened his grip on the rein, leaving the pony's instinct to control.

The latter fairly crept forward, testing the sand before resting any weight upon the hoof, the negro's mount following closely.
The water was unusually high, and as they advanced it bore down against them in considerable volume; then, as they veered to the right, they were compelled to push directly against its weight in struggling toward shore.

The men could see nothing but this solid sheet of water rushing down toward them from out the black void, and then vanishing below.

Once Keith's horse half fell, plunging nose under, yet gaining foothold again before the rider had deserted his saddle.