Drowning in a river out in the middle of nowhere is a grim idea, and the thought of it must have given our com

Drowning in a river out in the middle of nowhere is a grim idea, and the thought of it must have given our companion strength. Holding fast to the rope tied about his waist, didn't let go until we'd pulled him back onto firm ground. Only once was back on the bank with us did we notice that the treacherous branch was gone — most likely flipped over by someone's foot during all the chaos. It must have fallen into the river and floated away. Our only hope of reaching the other bank was no more.