ounce out upon us. Mr Tidey and I rode one on either
flank, sometimes pushing on ahead, with our rifles ready to fire at any
foe who might appear, and to retreat to the main body according to my
father's directions. The wood was at length passed, and we obtained an
extensive view over the country, on every side. Our object was now to
find a ford by which we might cross the river. In case of not
discovering one, we intended to form rafts to ferry over the waggons,
while the horses and oxen would have to swim across. To do this;
however, would be a work of great labour and involve the loss of much
time, besides the risk of having the waggons upset. They would have, we
foresaw, to be floated down to a convenient landing-place, should one
not be found opposite to the spot where we might embark. Above the
river rose a number of high bluffs one beyond the other. While Dio, who
now accompanied Mr Tidey and me, held our horses, we climbed to the
summits of several of them, hoping to discover the anxiously desired
ford.

Time after time we had been disappointed as we had seen the river still
flowing on through a narrow and deep channel, across which it would have
been impossible for our waggons to pass.

The day was drawing to a close.

"If we do not discover the ford soon, we shall have to camp again on
this side," observed my companion. "There is another height, perhaps we
shall be more fortunate this time!"

We dismounted, and Dio took our reins, while we made our way to the top
of the bluff. Looking back we could see the train about half a mile
off, slowly following in our tracks. Beyond us, to the southward, the
country appeared much more level than that we had lately passed over,
while, greatly to our satisfaction, the river widened out considerably,
the ground sloping down gradually on both sides to the water.

"That part looks fordable at all events," said the Dominie, pointing it
out to me. "If we cannot get across in any other way, we must make
rafts of the waggons and send a small part of their cargoes over at a
time. The undertaking can be easily performed, provided the Indians
keep at a distance, but it would be awkward to be attacked while engaged
in the operation."

"We will hope for the best," I answered; "but we will take a look round
the country, and we may perhaps discover them, should any be moving
about in the distance."

We swept our glasses round and round the horizon several times. O