These knees are very sharp on top, and sometimes stand not more than a foot apart.

Being of all heights, many of them, as Sam knew, were under water now, and these made travelling impossible, even if there had been no quagmires to fall into, as there were.

After studying the situation, Sam determined to remain where he was until the water should subside, and then to travel by daylight, at least until he should be out of the swamp and upon high ground again.

The waters of the creek subsided much more slowly than they had risen, and Sam remained at the Sycamore Camp, as he called the place, for four days and nights before he thought travelling again practicable.
He then resumed his march, beset by many difficulties.

The ground was muddy everywhere, and impassably so in some places.