His heart beat fast, fast, ever faster; a thread, only a thread of will-power held him back on the downward slope leading him to answer the invitation of that face.

With wide eyes, his arms extended, his hands spread open, he uttered a long groan.

Then, suddenly fearing some nocturnal wayfarer might have heard him, he held his breath, listening.

Silence: silence in all things save the river.

His heart was growing more calm.