Keeping in the mud close to the bank, and feeling their way in the dense growth produced by the overhanging bushes, they crawled forward.

Sometimes the water came up to the bank, and they had to swim; but as a rule they were able to keep on the mud, which was so deep that they sank far into it, their heads alone showing above it.

In two hours they had gone a mile, and both were thoroughly exhausted.
"We will lie here till day breaks," Lisle said; "as soon as it is dawn, we will choose some spot where the bushes are thickest, and shelter there.

I am in hopes, now, that we are beyond the Ashantis.
I dare say that we shall be able to get a peep through the bushes and, if we find the coast clear, we will make our way into the forest.

There we may be able to gather something to eat, which we shall want, tomorrow; and it will certainly be more comfortable than this bed of mud.