With a shriek of terror Rheinfrid sank down, and called upon God to help him.  Then as he prayed he felt wings growing on his shoulders, and a terrible eager joy and dread possessed him, for he felt the ice of the bridge melting away, and the water of the melting ice was splashing like rain on the river of fire, and as each drop fell a little puff of white steam arose from the place where it fell.  So, unable to wait till the wings had grown full, he rose to his feet, and attempted to follow the Angel.  But his wings were too weak to bear him, and he fell clinging to the bridge, which shook beneath him.