The passage your question refers to is below:
"Kino moved cautiously so that the water would not be obscured with mud or sand. He hooked his foot in the loop on his rock and his hands worked quickly, tearing the oysters loose, some singly, others in clusters. He laid them in his basket. In some places the oysters clung to one another so that they came free in lumps."
A few elements of this passage...
The passage your question refers to is below:
"Kino moved cautiously so that the water would not be obscured with mud or sand. He hooked his foot in the loop on his rock and his hands worked quickly, tearing the oysters loose, some singly, others in clusters. He laid them in his basket. In some places the oysters clung to one another so that they came free in lumps."
A few elements of this passage are helpful in suggesting a tone or atmosphere. The first sentence ("Kino moved cautiously...") creates a sense of anticipation, especially as the water is in danger of being "obscured" by particles of sand. This is particularly important in this passage, as Kino is anticipating the discovery of a pearl, but does not yet know what he will find.
In the next sentence, the author describes Kino's actions as "quick," as he "tear[s]" out oysters from the sea. These words suggest Kino's dexterity as a pearl diver, but also his desperation. This is important for creating a tone of urgency at this moment in the book, when Kino is racing to find a pearl that he will be able to sell in order to buy medicine for his dying son.
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