THE PAMPAS. 



235 



We had now galloped out of all danger from 

 Indians, and were, at last, gratified by the sight 

 of the giant hills we had heard and read so 

 much of : a prospect which seemed to offer a 

 termination, on the next day, to that part of 

 our journey, which, though interesting, was the 

 most dangerous. 



Soon after starting we came to the river 

 Desaguadero, which was more rapid and deep 

 than any we had yet crossed. We dismounted, 

 to make the trajet on a sort of rude raft, with 

 our luggage, and were soon hauled over by a 

 rope; but the horses were driven down the 

 bank into the river, and swam across without 

 bridles or saddles, the peons standing on the 

 opposite shore to lasso them as they arrived. 

 They plunged in altogether, stemming the 

 current, with their heads up the stream, and 

 snorting loudly at every stroke, 



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