But, quite contrary to my expectations, they had got through the timber, and were about two miles above me.

It was now dark, and I had to crawl through the fallen timber the best way I could; and if the reader don't know it was bad enough, I am sure I do.
For the vines and briers had grown all through it, and so thick that a good fat coon couldn't much more than get along.

I got through at last, and went on to near where I had killed my last deer, and once more fired off my gun, which was again answered from the boat, which was a little above me.

I moved on as fast as I could, but soon came to water; and not knowing how deep it was, I halted, and hollered till they came to me with a skiff.

I now got to the boat without further difficulty.
But the briers had worked on me at such a rate that I felt like I wanted sewing up all over.