As the current hit us, he let out the guys, which maneuver caused the boat to swing stern downstream.

When it pointed obliquely, he made fast the guys again.

I saw that this served two purposes: the current struck, slid alongside, and over the stern, which mitigated the danger, and at the same time helped the boat across.
To look at the river was to court terror, but I had to look.

It was an infernal thing.

It roared in hollow, sullen voice, as a monster growling.