CROSSING THE MYETTE. 247 



river now being a succession of rapids, not more than 

 four or five feet deep. These passages of the river 

 were difficult, and many of them dangerous, for the 

 w^ater was very high, and the current extremely 

 powerful. 



At the last fording-place, the waters rushed down 

 a swift descent in a foaming cataract, raging and boil- 

 ing so fiercely round great rocks which studded the 

 channel, that we hesitated before we ventured to urge 

 our horses forward. But the Iroquois led the way, and 

 crossed safely, although his horse staggered about and 

 hardly held his own. We then drove the pack-horses 

 before us, and plunged in. The water streamed over 

 our horses' shoulders, as they struggled against the 

 current, and slipped amongst the smooth boulders, 

 tumbling about and regaining their footing in the most 

 wonderful manner. Mr. O'B. was compelled to mount 

 his steed again for this occasion, and, judging from the 

 despairing expression of his countenance, he did so with 

 little hope of reaching the other side in safety. He 

 was exhorted carefully to follow the line taken by the 

 ofaide, and Milton and the woman rode on either side 

 of him. Clutching the mane with both hands, he did 

 not attempt to guide his horse, but employed all his 

 powers in sticking to the saddle, and exhorting his 

 companions, " Steady, my lord, please, or I shall be 

 swept ofi". Do speak to Mrs. Assiniboine, my lord ; 

 she's leading us to destruction ; what a reckless woman! 

 ' varium et mutahile semjper femina !' Mrs. Assini- 

 boine ! — Mrs. Assiniboine! oh, dear! oh, dear! what an 

 awful journey! I'm going! I'm going! Narrow escape 



