If she dropped off, it was uncertain whether she would stop until she had rolled some distance; perhaps she might not stop before she reached the edge of the crag.

Anyhow, she did not mean to let go, and tried to catch the snow with her toes in an effort to help Thorn to steer the sledge.

It swerved a little but rushed on again, and she saw that the edge of the rock curved in yet.

She doubted if they were far enough off to get past the bend.
Then she saw that Thorn had slipped farther back in order to increase the drag of his legs.

His face was dark with blood and she heard his heavy breathing as he tried to change their course.