darkness came
down upon me, and I found myself benighted on the open plain, without
the slightest means of guiding my course. Still, I might perish if I
remained where I was, so I thought that the best thing I could do was to
move on, if I could get my horse to carry me. The thunderstorm,
however, continued to rage with unabated fury, and while it lasted I
could not induce my steed to move. I got off and tried to lead him, but
he plunged so much that I was afraid he would break away, so I therefore
mounted again. He went on at first slowly, but suddenly, for what
reason I could not tell, he broke into a gallop, and with all my efforts
I was unable to check him. The darkness, too, prevented me from seeing
the features of the country, and I was thus utterly unable to ascertain
in what direction I was going.

All night long he continued; sometimes stopping to regain breath, and
then going on again, in spite of the thunder and lightning. The rain
had ceased, and the water gradually drained out of my clothes, but I
felt very damp and uncomfortable.

At last dawn broke, and the storm gradually died away, but not a gleam
of ruddy light indicated in what direction the sun was to be found.
Although not thirsty, I was suffering greatly from the pangs of hunger,
and felt myself growing weaker and weaker. The appearance of the
country was strange, and I could not discern any object which could
enable me to determine what course my horse had taken.

Although I could not obtain food for myself, I got off, and loosening
the bridle, allowed my steed to crop the grass, in order that he might
recruit his strength; for my life would depend, I knew, on his being
able to carry me back to my companions, or to go in chase of game.
After he had fed for a couple of hours I again mounted and let him go
on, when he at once took the course he had before been pursuing.

I looked about on every side, in the hope of seeing some bird or animal
that I might shoot. The smallest would have been welcome, but neither
large nor small appeared. I was now becoming very faint; while my head
felt giddy and my eyes dim. I endeavoured to rouse myself, but in vain.
Trying to stand up in my stirrups to look round, I fancied I saw before
me a wood. Could I but reach it, I might shoot a bird or squirrel, or
some other of its inhabitants.

Another evening was approaching, as I calculated, when I neared the
wood. I have a faint recollection of reachin