Side by side, with crests erect, they glided, and one of them still held between his jaws the unfortunate young sparrow.
The boy did not hesitate a moment.

Still making a great noise, but hoarsely for a creature of his age, he ran to head them off and barely passed them as they touched the water.

He leaped in ahead of them and they were beside him in an instant.

The water was up to his waist.

He plunged deeper recklessly.