My next object was to get my luggage across, now much diminished both in bulk and weight. I caused some poles, which were growing in abundance on the banks, to be cut into lengths and lashed together, in the form of a raft. In a piece of rag torn from the flap of my linen, I tied two bullets, attaching them to the end of a ball of sewing twine, which was loosely placed in a coil to prevent its getting entangled. The two bullets were then attached to a stouter piece of string, about one yard in length, used to sling them across the river. After the bullets were thrown across I pulled the twine over, to which a line of about the substance of a clothes’ line was fixed, the other end of which was fastened to the raft. This was placed on the water a considerable distance above the landing-place, so as to allow for the current. Two boxes were placed on the raft, and when ready I pulled them across. This method was repeated until the whole of my luggage, as well as that of my officers, was safely landed. By this time the greater part of my people had swam across also, but my horse still remained. It was also fastened to the end of the raft line and soon crossed the stream, but when it reached the opposite bank, which was nearly perpendicular and the water deep, the poor animal could not obtain a footing. A number of people pulled it by the halter, till the headstall gave way. The poor beast, already considerably exhausted from exertion, now made again for the other side, where it narrowly escaped being carried over a cataract formed of rocks a little below the place of crossing. To my great satisfaction, however, the noble little animal arrived safely on the opposite bank, shook itself, and neighed, looking across as if conscious of its being on the wrong side. The little fellow was again haltered with stronger material, and was launched into the river. I now placed myself at a part of the bank close to a small creek, where it reached me without difficulty, being lower down the stream. I at once saddled him, and resumed our journey. I ought to have mentioned the gallant manner in which my caboceer and head men’s wives took the water. They did not even require the raft to carry their luggage across, the whole of which was contained in large gourd calabashes, about two feet and a half diameter. These vessels were guided across with one hand, while the other was used in swimming. Immediately after crossing the river, it commenced raining very heavily, and continued to do so for several hours.