^YBACUSE TO ROCHESTER. 163 



from Mont^fciuma to Newark, was an exciting one to 

 me and Paul. I had long since learned that whenever 

 the route brought us in close proximity with the rail- 

 road, the quiet pursuit of our way was often varied 

 by exciting moments, owing to PauVs suspicion of the 

 *' iron horse/' The climax of these escapades was 

 reached this morning, when Paul^ becoming frightened 

 by an approaching train repeated the experience of three 

 days ago by plunging into a slough, about two miles 

 from Newark, and completely covering himself and 

 rider with mud. When I had recovered sufficiently 

 to realize the situation, my thoughts were not as 

 amiable, I fear, as those of Bunyan's good Christian, 

 tried in like manner. The "slough of despond '^ was 

 so very literal in this case. 



I had made every effort to control the excited 

 animal, but found the attempt useless ; and 1 verily 

 believe if he were between the infernal regions and a 

 coming train, he would choose the former at a bound. 

 It was rather trying to appear before people of the 

 town in such a lamentable condition, to say nothing 

 of the discomforts arising from damp clothing; but 

 there was no alternative, so I followed my course; 

 the unfortunate victim of circumstances. 



(Eljirtietl) Slag. 



Fairport House, 



Fairport, New York, 



June Seventh. 



Resumed march at eight o'clock in the morning, but 

 the weather was so oppressively warm and sultry, that 

 I was obliged to wait over from noon until six o'clock. 



