The ford is not the best going, so they had to pick their way, but in five or ten minutes they were over.

Then came some of the infantry of the flanks, who crossed with the water to their waists, and their guns held high above their heads.

They made a portentous splashing, but not a sound came from their throats.

I shall never know how Laputa imposed silence on the most noisy race on earth.
Several thousand footmen must have followed the riders, and disappeared into the far bush.

But not a shot came from the bluffs in front.
I watched with a sinking heart.