Once or twice black objects loom up near us--the wrecks of houses floating by.

There is a slight rift in the sky toward the north, and a few bearing stars to guide us over the waste.

As we penetrate into shallower water, it is deemed advisable to divide our party into smaller boats, and diverge over the submerged prairie.

I borrow a peacoat of one of the crew, and in that practical disguise am doubtfully permitted to pass into one of the boats.

We give way northerly.