If they should fail in this, Sam feared that the water would rise during the night, and fill all the bottom lands.

In that event he must continue marching down the east bank of the river; not going very far out of his way, it is true, but having to pass through what he was satisfied must be a much more difficult country than that on the other side.
Night came at last, and they were yet not within sight of the stream, notwithstanding their utmost exertions.

Sam called a halt just before dark, and selected a camping place..