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heavens, it split into numerous branches, widely diverging 
from each other; and these horizontal coruscations extended 
sometimes to an astonishing distance. 
`- © At length the storm burst directly over our heads. The 
lightning now became incessant; the heavens seemed all on 
fire; the thunder. rolled in one continued peal; and the 
rain descended in torrents, which, collecting in our path, 
threatened to sweep us off our feet. During this uproar of 
the elements, every flash was followed by a momentary 
blindness. We pursued our way under the full conviction 
that the torrent which poured so unmercifully on us would 
swell the Sunday River to such a height as must detain us 
for some days on its bank. Nothing could equal the 
despondency caused by this reflection but the joy we felt, 
on arriving at the river, to find the ford still practicable. 
We dashed with all haste across the stream; and were 
Preparing to congratulate each other on our miraculous 
escape, when our progress was arrested by an obstacle the 
More provoking as it was entirely unexpected. The 
Opposite bank, at all times steep and difficult, had become so 
slippery in consequence of the rain, that our jaded cattle 
were unable to drag the waggon out of the river; and we 
were obliged, after a great deal of goading and flogging, to 
leave it all night moored to the bank, sunk over the wheels 
in the stream, sah A 
* We pitched our tent close to the ford; but the rain still 
continuing rendered it impossible to strike a fire; and we 
were compelled to lie down, wet and hungry, on mattrasses 
that had been just dragged out of the river. | We turned 
Out at the dawn in a state approaching to torpidity ; but 
after running about for some time, to set our blood: in 
motion, we had the consolation to find that our health had 
Sustained no material injury. We kindled - fire, and 
Presently sat down to a breakfast of Springbock's liver, ger- 
nished with salt pork, which a fast of twenty-four hours 
tendered uncommonly palatable. — PET as ee ll 
* With the aid of a good-natured boor who was — Bid 
the same road, we got the waggon hauled out of the river, 
