The thrust and drag were telling, for the sledge had swerved, and then there came a few seconds of keen suspense.
After this she heard Thorn draw a labored breath and felt his hand on her waist.
"We're past.

Hitch yourself up before you're pulled off," he said.
With some trouble Grace got back to her place and lay still, while her heart thumped painfully and something rang in her ears.

The reaction had begun and she knew she could not move if Thorn wanted help again.

It looked, however, as if he did not, and some moments afterwards she saw that the way was clear ahead.

She wondered whether they would stop before they reached the bottom of the dale and how far it was.