The obscurity of the river seemed to be enveloping him.

When he looked back again the figures of the men were coalescing with the surrounding gloom, the fires were streaky, blurred patches of light.

But the sky above was brighter.

Dawn was not far off.
To the west all was dark.

With infinite care and implacable spirit and waning strength Duane shoved the plank along, and when at last he discerned the black border of bank it came in time, he thought, to save him.