. o happily representsthe mercies of God. Many of the rivers had to be forded ; and though it wouldseem a difficult task for one entirely unencumbered to getthrough, his men nobly carried him. The timidity and un-friendliness of the people greatly aggravated their could get no reliable guide or correct information; andthe weather was such that no observations could be made onwhich they could depend in shaping their course. To be thus marching blindly, scantily provided with food,absolutely ill much of the time, would s
. o happily representsthe mercies of God. Many of the rivers had to be forded ; and though it wouldseem a difficult task for one entirely unencumbered to getthrough, his men nobly carried him. The timidity and un-friendliness of the people greatly aggravated their could get no reliable guide or correct information; andthe weather was such that no observations could be made onwhich they could depend in shaping their course. To be thus marching blindly, scantily provided with food,absolutely ill much of the time, would seem to be enough tobreak the stoutest spirit, yet this wonderful man never oncelooked back—not one word of irresolution—but on, on, clingingwith incomprehensible pertinacity to his aim, he pressed for-ward. The memorandum of one days experience will illustratethis dreadful march : January 24.—Went on east and northeast to avoid the deeppart of a large river, which requires two canoes, but the mensent by the chief would certainly hide them. Went one and. FORDING RIVERS. 735 three-quarters hours journey to a large stream through drizzlingrain, at least three hundred yards of deep water, amongst sedgesand sponges of one hundred yards. One part was neck-deepfor fifty yards, and the water cold. We plunged in elephantsfoot-prints one hour and a half, then came on one hour to asmall rivulet ten feet broad, but waist-deep, bridge covered andbroken down. Carrying me across one of the broad, deep sedgyrivers is really a very difficult task. One we crossed was atleast two thousand feet broad, or more than three hundred first part, the main stream, came up to Susis mouth, andwetted my seat and legs. One held up my pistol behind, thenone after another took a turn, and when he sank into a deepelephants foot-print, he required two to lift him, so as to gain afooting on the level, which was over waist-deep. Others wenton, and bent down the grass, to insure some footing on thesi
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