Under its foot the water churned to flying foam.
He struck out, pushing the plank, which was very broad and unmanageable.

Seconds were precious--half a second might save or lose him.

In the crisis of the effort, up from the sea, within arm's reach, a helmet shot like a gleam of gold.

Next came two hands with fingers extended--large hands were they, and strong--their hold once fixed, might not be loosed.

Ben-Hur swerved from them appalled.