Xintel too stood up and gasped in the warm, stench-filled air, floundering beside the taller Earthman as they waded toward a dimly seen bank ahead. The water had shoaled to her waist, when without warning, she staggered and collapsed.
Barry caught her as she fell, and with Earth habits returning, cradled her in his arms with her face above water.
"Xintel! What's wrong?"
She stirred in his arms and her eyes opened.
"Put me down," she requested.
Then she noticed the frightened expression on his face.
"I'll be all right soon," she assured him. "Just—tired. And air—too suddenly."
Tenderly he laid her in the shallow water.
"Sure you're all right?" he asked solicitously.
She nodded.