Therefore, if we could gain that range, we should avoid the swamp country, altogether.
"A few miles back we passed a river coming in from the east and, if we follow that up as far as there is water, we shall be among the hills.

He said that there were no mountains at all, there; but just rounded hills, with many villages and much cultivated ground, so there ought to be no difficulty in making our way along.

We shall be able to gather food in the fields; or can go into villages and purchase some, for the men will all be away.

Besides, we can get spears and shields, and can say that having been away from home on a journey--when the men were all ordered to war, we returned too late to go with the rest of the villagers, and are making our way down to join them.

Many others must be doing the same, and the story will be likely enough.
"In that way we can get down till we are close to the troops round Rangoon, and must then take our chance of getting through them." "That seems better than the other way," Meinik said.