A shadow hovered down, rested upon the river, and gradually thickened.

The bonfire on the bluff showed as through a foggy veil.

The watchers were mere groping dark figures.
Duane, aware of how cramped he had become from long inaction, began to move his legs and uninjured arm and body, and at length overcame a paralyzing stiffness.

Then, digging his hand in the sand and holding the plank with his knees, he edged it out into the river.

Inch by inch he advanced until clear of the willows.