The Woods were so bad, that we could not possibly Travel in them for Thorns; and to Travel by Night was impossible, it being a dark Moon, and the River a Nights so full of Elephants and other wild Beasts coming to drink; as we did both hear and see laying upon the Banks with a Fire by us.

They came in such Numbers because there was Water for them no where else to be had, the Ponds and holes of Water, nay the River it self in many places being dry.
[As yet undiscovered.] There was therefore no other way to be taken but to Travel on in the River.

So down we went into the Sand, and put on as fast as we could set our Legs to the ground, seeing no People (nor I think no body us), only Buffaloes in abundance in the Water.
CHAP.

XI.
Being in the Malabar Territories, how they encountred two Men, and what passed between them.

And of their getting safe unto the Dutch Fort.