252 THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE BY LAND. 



help from tlie rear. He ran back in liaste, and 

 found Mr. O'B., in rather muddy condition, and with 

 very disconsolate air, leading his horse by the bridle. 

 It appeared the horse had shied and j)itched him off 

 amongst the logs and debris around, and he imagined 

 himself severely hurt. But no important injury 

 could be found, and, by dint of great persuasion, and 

 some assistance, Cheadle induced him to re -mount, 

 and exhorted him to keep close up to the rest. But 

 he was too much afraid of his horse to urge him on by 

 any but the most gentle, verbal persuasion, and tender 

 pattings on the neck. He was soon left behind again, 

 and the ears of the party saluted by another 

 succession of piteous cries from the rear. Cheadle 

 again went back to his assistance, in very unamiable 

 mood, but was unable to resist a burst of laughter 

 when he came upon the unfortunate Mr. O'B. He 

 was diiving his horse before him, wdth the saddle 

 under its belly, and the bridle trailing on the ground. 

 He was covered with mud, his long visage scratched 

 and bleeding, and his clerical coat, split asunder to the 

 neck, streamed from his shoulders in separate halves. 

 ''Very nearly killed. Doctor, this time. I thought 

 it was all over. ' Semel est calcanda via letJd,' you 

 know. My horse fell and rolled on to me, tearing 

 my coat, as you see. I've had a most providential 

 escape." He could not be persuaded to mount again, 

 and had a wearisome time wdth his horse, which, if 

 he offered to lead it, himg back and refused to budge, 

 and when he di'ove it before him, persisted in going 

 the wa'ong way. 



