A Thousand'MUe TValk 



bottom. Was unable to find the ford to which 

 I had been directed by Mr. Prater. 



I then determined to push on southward 

 regardless of roads and fords. After repeated 

 failures I succeeded in finding a place on the 

 river bank where I could force my way into the 

 stream through the vine-tangles. I succeeded 

 in crossing the river by wading and swimming, 

 careless of wetting, knowing that I would soon 

 dry in the hot sunshine. 



Out near the middle of the river I found 

 great difficulty in resisting the rapid current. 

 Though I braced myself with a stout stick, I 

 was at length carried away in spite of all my 

 efforts. But I succeeded in swimming to the 

 shallows on the farther side, luckily caught 

 hold of a rock, and after a rest swam and 

 waded ashore. Dragging myself up the steep 

 bank by the overhanging vines, I spread out 

 myself, my paper money, and my plants to 

 dry. 



Debated with myself whether to proceed 

 down the river valley until I could buy a boat, 

 [so] 



