A DILEMMA. 219 



of an enemy. The passage of the Danube, although 

 presentmg difficulties that might have deterred 

 more disciplined troops, was but an e very-day occur- 

 rence to these predatory Suwars, most of whom 

 dispensed altogether with the aid of the boats. 

 Fastening their arms and ammunition in the folds 

 of their turbans, they plunged into the stream, 

 and swam over alongside of their horses. As the 

 reports of our scouts led us to believe that no oppo- 

 sition to our crossing was anticipated, at the risk af 

 being thought effeminate, I stripped to the buff, 

 and placed my arms and clothes in a boat, before 

 swimming my horse over ; for in this climate 

 nothing is more conducive to fever than allowing 

 wet clothes to dry on the person. 



Unfortunately for me (as it turned out), the rude 

 craft containing my gear stuck amongst the reeds, 

 and was a long time in effecting the passage, so 

 that I had no clothes to put on upon reaching the 

 other side ; and whilst in this dilemma, I heard a 

 cry of alarm, followed by shouts of " Moskofler ! 

 Moskofler!" not a very pleasing announcement to 

 one in my condition, being destitute of even a fig- 



