Sometimes the floating blocks struck me; sometimes the waves broke up over my head and face.

I had no time to look about or to feel the cold.

The animal wish to live took possession of me; I became filled with the thought that, if my horse's strength failed in his struggle with the stream, I must perish.

All my attention was turned to his efforts and to his quivering fear.

Suddenly he groaned loudly and I noticed he was sinking.