we went we steadily applied the match, setting fire to bush
and grass alike, thus making our progress very evident to those in the
forest and all down the lake. We were in a fearful state of filth,
notwithstanding that we had washed ourselves in the clear stream daily,
the ashes got ground into our skins and even the application of fine
sand in lieu of soap would not eradicate it, only causing rawness with
accompanying smarting. Moorhouse was really to blame for this, for, vain
man that he was, he carried a little pocket looking-glass by which we
discovered the condition we were in. Had he left the glass behind we
would probably have remained black and happy till our return.

On the last day we had a close shave for our lives. We were crossing a
narrow bushy point, the upper portion of which had caught a returning
fire, and it was coming down upon us with the wind, with a deafening
roar and volumes of smoke. Our chance of safety lay in getting into the
open and across the water before the fire reached us, and we were
nearly, very nearly caught. The bush grew denser as we went on, and was
filled with "lawyers," which impeded our progress, so that in our
extremity to tear ourselves away we left most of our scanty clothing and
somewhat of our skins in their clutches, while a fresh breeze springing
up, increased the pace of the terrible fire which came roaring towards
us in a wall of flame, sparks and smoke, which had already nearly
blinded us, the trees snapping, creaking, and falling behind us like
reports of artillery. Singed, torn, and half naked, we just succeeded
in escaping being charred as completely as any stump on the hills.

The "lawyer" (so-called) is a creeping, or rather climbing, plant common
to the New Zealand bush. It grows in long thread-like tendrils, as thick
as whip cord, armed with myriads of sharp hooked thorns turned
backwards. The tendrils grow hundreds of feet in length, stretching from
branch to branch, and often forming a maze or web extending over a large
area. A person getting entangled in their embraces rarely escapes with a
whole skin, and never with a whole coat.

We returned the evening of the third day as black as sloes, and with
only a few shreds of singed clothes on our backs, thoroughly worn out
with hard walking and insufficient sustenance. We remained one day for
repairs and then, in company with Brand, had a glorious sail down the
lake to Wynne's station.

Our return journey to Ch