But as they led in many cases to dangerous and deep gulfs, to dismal quagmires and fathomless pits; and, moreover, as the slightest departure from the proper track would have whelmed the traveller in an oozy bed, from which, as from a quicksand, he would have vainly striven to extricate himself,--it was never crossed without a guide, except by those familiar with its perilous courses.

One painful circumstance connected with the history of Chat Moss remains to be recorded--namely, that the attempt made to cultivate it by the great historian Roscoe,--an attempt since carried out, as has already been shown, with complete success,--ended in a result ruinous to the fortunes of that highly-gifted person, who, up to the period of this luckless undertaking, was as prosperous as he was meritorious.
By this time the fugitives had approached the confines of the marsh.

An accident, however, had just occurred, which nearly proved fatal to Viviana, and, owing to the delay it occasioned, brought their pursuers into dangerous proximity with them.

In fording the Irwell, which, from its devious course, they were again compelled to cross, about a quarter of a mile below Barton, her horse missed its footing, and precipitated her into the rapid current.

In another instant she would have been borne away, if Guy Fawkes had not flung himself into the water, and seized her before she sank.