se, loaded in this manner, we did not expect to make a long daily
journey, but, supplied as we were with provisions for thirty days, we
had no fear but that before the end of that time we would reach
Independence. We were in high spirits as we set out, although, before
we had walked far, the pressure of our packs somewhat moderated the
exuberance of our feelings; and before we had been fifty hours upon the
road, an incident occurred that once more reduced us to a new state of
despondency, and placed us once more in peril of our lives. Many an
accident of flood and field, many a "hair-breadth 'scape" are to be
encountered in a journey through prairie-land, and the most confident
calculations of the traveller are often rendered worthless in a single
moment. So we found to our consternation.

The accident which befel us was one of a deplorable character. We had
reached the banks of a small stream, not over fifty yards in width, but
very deep. After going down it for several miles no place could be
found that was fordable, and at length we made up our minds to swim
across, rather than spend more time in searching for a ford. This was
easy enough, as we were all swimmers, and in a few minutes most of the
party were safely landed on the other side.

But it remained to get our provisions and other matters over, and for
this purpose a small raft had been constructed, upon which the packs of
meat, robes, as well as our arms and ammunition, were laid. A cord was
attached to the raft, and one of the party swam over with the cord, and
then several taking hold commenced dragging over the raft with its load.

Although the stream was narrow, the current was strong and rapid, and
just as the raft had got near the middle the towing line snapped, and
away went the whole baggage down stream.

We all followed along the banks, in hopes of securing the raft when it
should float near, and at first we had little apprehension about the
matter. But to our mortification we now perceived a rapid just below,
and there would be no chance of preventing the frail structure from
going over it. The packs, robes, and guns had been laid upon the raft,
not even fastened to it, for in our careless security, we never
anticipated such a result.

It was too late to leap into the stream and endeavour to stop the raft.
No one thought of such a thing. All saw that it was impossible, and we
stood with anxious hearts watching the floating mass as it s