This it was only possible to do when they found drift or other wood, since at that season the rank vegetation was in full growth.

Also the fearful thunderstorms which broke continually and in a few minutes half filled their canoe with water, made the reeds and the soil on which they grew, sodden with wet.

As Jeekie said: "This time of year only fit for duck and crocodile.

Human should remember uncontrollable forces of nature and wait till winter come in due course, when quagmire bear sole of his foot." This elaborate remark he made to Alan during the progress of a particularly fearful tempest.

The lightning blazed in the black sky and seemed to strike all about them like stabbing swords of fire, the thunder crashed and bellowed as it may be supposed that it will do on that day when the great earth, worn out at last, shall reel and stagger to its doom.