"How far is this place you know about, Ev?" asked Pearl, out of breath, as they slowed to a fast walk again.
"About a mile or more," answered Evelyn, "But it's our only chance."
It seemed like ten miles to the three, as they ran stumbling through the darkness, when a flare lit up the sky ahead of them to the right.
"What's that?" asked Pearl.
"Thank Heaven, it's the smelter," said Mickey. "We are almost there."
"Here's the place I mean," said Evelyn, as she pointed to a very narrow place in the river. "Now, let's all take hands, and hold tight. The only thing we have to be careful of is the quicksands—they are as treacherous as Hell," as they started to wade into the river.
"Watch your step," said Evelyn.
"Jees—that water is cold—hold tight to my hand, Pearl, and don't let go," said Mickey, as she took hold of Pearl, who was in the middle.
"We are in the midst of a lot of quicksand here—I can't seem to find bottom any further than I am standing. Let go of me, Pearl, and I'll wade around a bit and see if I can find a more solid place."
"Oh, God—now, Ev, don't do that. Don't let go at all here in the water—we will all wade together."