42 AUTOBIOGRAPHY [CHAP. v. 



case of danger, but a choice between much wet and dirt 

 from Severn mud, or very considerable discomfort of 

 another sort, as the slip had brought down with it 

 brambles, &c., &c., most unpleasant to brave for the sake 

 of dryness. We preferred the wet passage, feeling our way 

 with our feet through the muddy water from one good- 

 sized stone to another, and presently arrived safely above 

 the high-tide level, but to those who did not know that 

 beneath the muddy surface there was a sound footing if 

 sought for, the little episode might have been unpleasant. 



