"Let go. You hurt me!" she exclaimed sharply.
"You will be over."
"As if I could not care for myself."
"You are the spirit of the river. Are your mates down there? What if they summon you?"
"Then why should I not go to them?" recklessly.
"Because I will not let you."
He looked steadily into her eyes. His were a little blurred and had an expression that did not please her. She turned away.
"If I should go down and get the gold hidden under the sands—"
"But a serpent guards it."
"I am not afraid of a snake. I have killed more than one. And there are good spirits who will help you if you have the right charm."