He was within ten feet of a shore covered with sand and gravel.

The water was smooth and running with a musical ripple.

Waist-deep he waded through it to the shore, and fell down upon his knees, with his face buried in his arms.

He had been ten minutes in the death-grip of the chasm.

It was another ten minutes before he staggered to his feet and looked about him.
His face was beaten until he was almost blind.