"Yeah, I think that would help," said Curufin, seeing how the boy who was stuck was looking exhausted and frightened.

He handed the rope to Heiji, climbed part way down the rocks, and then jumped in and waded towards the young man. He took him by the arms and pulled, expecting that the combination of his strength and Heji's would be enough.

"Don't let me sink in the muck!" said the boy, his voice shaking.

"We won't," said Curufin. And then to Heiji, "Go ahead and pull!"