6oo 
THROUGH ASIA 
able to distinguish the dark line of the forest on the 
right bank of the river. It gradually became more 
distinct as I advanced. There was a thicket of bushes 
and reeds ; a poplar blown down by the wind lay across 
a deep hole' in the river-bed. I was only a few yards 
from the bank when a wild-duck, alarmed by my approach, 
flew up and away as swift as an arrow. I heard a splash,’ 
and in the next moment I stood on the brink of a little 
pool filled with fresh, cool water— beautiful water! 
