Lamont was released, but he was helpless to prevent the current from sweeping him along.
Dorian reached for the man, but missed him and stepped into a deep place.

He went in to his arms, but he soon scrambled on to a shallower point where he regained his balance.

The unconscious Lamont was beginning to drift into the current and Dorian knew that if he was to be saved he must be prevented from getting into the grasp of the mid-stream.

Dorian took desperate chances himself, but his mind was clear and his nerves were steady as he waded out into the water.

His companion shouted a warning to him from the bank, but he heeded it not.
Lamont's body was moving more rapidly, so Dorian plunged after it, and by so doing got beyond wading depths.