The ledge slanted awkwardly; he couldn't turn to see what had got hold of him, and had hard work to keep his balance when an eddy swung me off the bank.

I saw him stiffen as he braced himself, and guess he felt my grip get tighter through his boot, because he gave another scream, as if he was mad afraid.

Then he got his other foot against something that steadied him and I saw I couldn't pull him off.

I let go and swam under water as long as I could.

When I came up Steve wasn't there, but I heard him push through the willows up the bank.