Soon I was some metres from the shore with my horse stretching his head and neck far forward in his efforts and snorting and blowing incessantly.

I felt the every motion of his feet churning the water and the quivering of his whole body under me in this trial.

At last we reached the middle of the river, where the current became exceedingly rapid and began to carry us down with it.

Out of the ominous darkness I heard the shoutings of my companions and the dull cries of fear and suffering from the horses.

I was chest deep in the icy water.