She was breathing quickly.
Was the child really frightened?
Instinctively he put out his hand, backward, and thrilled through every nerve when something cool and small and tremulous slipped into it.
The canoe shot up to the float.
"You can't get any boat here." There was no surprise or resentment in the harsh level voice.

Only determination, final and unshakable.
Esther felt the doctor's hand close around her own.

Its clasp meant everything, reassurance, protection, strength.

In the darkness she exulted and even ventured to frown belligerently in the direction of the disagreeable canoeist.

They could see her plainly now.