"Tell me first, please, just what it is you fear." "Quicksand principally; it is in all these western rivers, and the two of us together on one pair of feet will make it harder to pull out of the suck.

If I tell you to get down, do so quickly." "Yes." "Then there may be holes out there in the bottom.

I don't mind those so much, although these cavalry boots are no help in swimming." "I can swim." "Hardly in your clothes; but I am glad to know it, nevertheless.

You could keep afloat at least, and the holes are never very large.

Are you ready now ?" She gave him her hands and stood up.