I could see
the great range from one place, and the thick new fallen snow assured me
that the river would be quite normal shortly. Indeed, by evening it was
hardly at all discoloured, but I waited another day, and set out on the
morning of Sunday, December 6. The river was now almost as low as in
winter, and Harris assured me that if I used my eyes I could not miss
finding a ford over one stream or another every half mile or so. I had
the greatest difficulty in preventing him from accompanying me on foot
for some little distance, but I got rid of him in the end; he came with
me beyond the place where I had hidden my knapsack, but when he had left
me long enough, I rode back and got it.
I see I am dwelling too long upon my own small adventures. Suffice it
that, accompanied by my dog, I followed the north bank of the river till
I found I must cross one stream before I could get any farther. This
place would not do, and I had to ride half a mile back before I found one
that seemed as if it might be safe. I fancy my father must have done
just the same thing, for Doctor seemed to know the ground, and took to
the water the moment I brought him to it. It never reached his belly,
but I confess I did not like it. By and by I had to recross, and so on,
off and on, till at noon I camped for dinner.
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