SWIMMING HORSES. 119 



proached, " that leads along the lake to some clear- 

 ing ?" *' You can't go," was the reply, " there hain't 

 none." '' But what shall we do with our horses ?" " I 

 don't know." — After planning awhile, we concluded to 

 fasten them in the woods, and bring over grass in the 

 boat. So, tying them to the trees, and hanging our 

 saddles on the branches, we crossed over. With all 

 Hamilton County for a stable, our jaded animals 

 passed the first night. 



But carrying provender across the lake took up too 

 much time, and therefore the next morning we con- 

 cluded, after a long consultation, to swim them over. 



W d first rode his powerful black horse, which the 



day before, by his amazing strength, had saved him 

 from a broken neck or limb, into the lake. The noble 

 animal was accustomed to the swamps and the forest, 

 but not to deep water, and he sunk almost to his ears. 



W d, somewhat frightened, as he found himself 



submerged to the armpits, began to pull sharply on 

 the rein, which brought the horse nearly perpendicu- 

 lar in the water, with his fore feet pawing the air. 

 The more erect the poor animal stood, the harder he 

 was forced to pull the rein to keep from sliding off. 

 Looking up, I saw his danger — for, thrown backward 



