128 
JOURNEY FROM 
destruction ; for it would not have been possible to extricate either 
from such a place, had there even been more persons at hand to 
attempt it : the ground continued to crack and break away for 
some distance farther, as the horse galloped on from the hole, and 
a large aperture was soon formed in the crusted surface of the 
marsh as the pieces fell in one after another. The whole extent of 
the danger was not at first perceived by the rider who had so 
narrowly escaped ; but the person who was following saw the chasm 
which had been made, and wheeling his horse round in another 
direction was just in time to avoid plunging into it. As this accident 
occurred near the middle of the marsh, it was difficult to decide 
upon the best path to be pursued, the surface being everywhere in 
appearance the same ; but, in order that the weight might be more 
equally divided, both riders dismounted, and continued to lead their 
horses till they reached a firmer place. This was however no easy 
matter ; as the poor animals were so terrified with their repeated 
stumbles, that they could with difficulty be pulled along, and they 
trembled so violently as to be almost incapable of keeping their legs, 
for the surface frequently cracked and partially gave way in places 
which appeared to be secure, and the parties were so often obliged 
to alter their direction, that they almost despaired of being able to 
bring off their horses. After much winding and turning, this was, 
however, at length effected, and both horses and riders were heartily 
glad to find themselves once more on firm ground. Nothing was 
said to our guides of this accident, but it served to convince us that 
their apprehensions of the marsh were not groundless, and we after- 
