Chap. XLIV. 
SWAMPY REGION. 
217 
fiery horse, which was snorting like a hippopotamus. 
At length we left also this morass behind us, and 
indulged in the hope of having overcome every diffi- 
culty, when suddenly we had before us another and 
far deeper water, which delayed us for a long time. 
But bad as was our situation whilst we were thus 
sticking fast in the mud, I could scarcely help laugh- 
ing heartily, as this very delay enabled the poor 
pagans to escape with their wives and property to a 
place of safety. As for most of the horses, the water 
went over their backs, while I on my stately charger 
had the water three inches above my knee. A cou- 
rageous enemy, led on by a clever commander, might 
at this moment have easily captured most of the 
horses, and put all the host to flight. 
At length, after two hours' exertion, we emerged 
from this broad sheet of water, which, when full, must 
present the appearance of an extensive central lake 
three or four miles in breadth, and many more in 
length, and now entered upon green pasture-ground, 
which, however, during the highest state of the inun- 
dation is itself under water. Here the army divided 
into three bodies, and pushed on vigorously, although 
a great many had retraced their steps upon seeing 
the deep water. 
Proceeding in this way, we reached the first hamlets, 
and here formed a'regular line of battle, while the 
greater part of the army rushed on in advance, at the 
sound of the drum and the horns of the kashellas, 
to see if there was anything left for them; but 
