I had not time to be afraid, but, as the blow still hung impending, leaped in a trice upon one side, and missing my foot in the soft sand, rolled headlong down the slope.

我来不及害怕，趁着弯刀还没有劈下来之际，纵身向旁边一跳，结果脚落在松软的沙地上，一个趔趄，头朝前顺着山坡滚了下去。

youdao

It felt as if I were setting my right foot into soft mud or a sponge.

NPR: Amputee Wounded in Iraq to Return to Active Duty