And, however objectionable the attempt was, we found ourselves obliged to make it.

We descended, therefore, into the channel of the river, and unloaded the animals and boat-carriage.

In order to facilitate the ascent of the right bank, some of the men were directed to cut steps up it.

I was amused to see the natives voluntarily assist them; and was surprised when they took up bags of flour weighing 100 pounds each, and carried them across the river.

We were not long in getting the whole of the stores over.