^ i88 TRAVELS IN 
to proceed a little further, to a fmall lake 
formed by the tide, where we hoped to be 
more fuccefsful, we began to march forwards ; 
but, as I was much lefs curious in nfhes than 
in birds, I ftiould have been foon tired of our 
fport, had not the politenefs of my friends, 
and the open and eafy gaiety of the ladies, 
engaged a little of my attention. I however 
rambled a good deal about on foot, from one 
iide to another, exploring every part around 
with eager eyes, and not fufFering either the air, 
the roads, or the trees to efcape me. Having ar- 
rived at the borders of the lake, I fought for 
a commodious fpot where I might ered: my 
tents : but an alarm, which we little thought 
of, had nearly deranged all our grotefque ca- 
valcade. In croffing a fpot covered with very 
high and thick reeds, the workmen all of a 
fudden came upon a buffalo, which had Iain 
down there to reft. They were fo near, that 
the animal, as much frightened as they by this 
unexpected apparition, in retiring threw down 
the horfe of the under commander, and that 
; of his wife. The confternation now became 
general; everyone endeavoured to fly, and 
to make off as faft as poffible. Mr, Mulder's 
people. 
