120 THE ADIRONDACK. 



so by the bit, the struggling animal would, in a 

 minute more, have fallen over upon him. I shouted 

 out, "Let go the rein instantly, and grasp the mane !" 

 He did so, and the horse relieved from the strain on 

 his head, righted himself and brought his rider safely 

 to the shore. In swimming the lake, however, he 

 sunk to his ears, and groaned and grunted with every 

 stroke. Another would not swim at all ; but the mo- 

 ment he got beyond his depth, flung himself upon his 

 side compelling us to hold his head on the stern of 

 the boat and tow him across. The rest took to their 

 work more kindly, especially a sorrel mare, which 

 swam without an effort — the ridge of her back just 

 skimming the surface, and her motion easy and steady 

 as that of a swing. 



We were right glad to reach the opposite forest ; — 

 and dragging our dripping beasts up the rocky bank, 

 threaded our way to the only hut we had seen since 



morning. 



Yours, &c. 



