In the passage from Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian," the scene depicts a group of individuals who are navigating a challenging river crossing with their horses. The depth of the water reaches up to the horses' bellies, illustrating the perilous nature of their journey. The horses cautiously maneuver over rocky terrain while maintaining a sense of awareness of their surroundings.

As they cross, the environment is filled with tension, accentuated by the presence of a powerful waterfall cascading from the surrounding forest. This imagery captures the struggle and urgency of their passage, as they are engulfed in the raw and tumultuous forces of nature. McCarthy's vivid descriptions immerse the reader in this moment of both danger and determination.