of another that was struggling
and reeling in the passage, to the imminent danger of both. To clear
this boat, our rais ventured to pass ours over a place where the
foam and fury of the water indicated latent rocks. We hardly dared to
breathe, but we did not strike here, but half a minute after we were
fast upon a sand bank. We stayed in this condition for about a quarter
of an hour, having in view close by us the wreck of a boat lost here.
With considerable difficulty our boat was disengaged, when we put her
before the wind and again faced this truly infernal pass. By the force
of the current, the boat neared a large and furious whirlpool, formed by
an eddy on the side of the passage. The steersman endeavored, in vain,
to counteract this drift of the boat by the aid of the rudder. The side
of the boat approached to within a yard of the white foam which covered
this dreadful spot. Our rais tore his turban from his head, and lifted
his clasped hands to Heaven, exclaiming, "We are lost!" The rest of the
boatmen were screaming to God and the prophet for aid, when, I know not
how, but by the good Providence that watched over us, the boat cleared
this peril, and others that beset us in passing yet two more rapids
almost as dangerous. On passing the last, we found the river divided
lengthways, by a ridge of rocks and low islands covered with verdure.
On the right or west side of this ridge, where we were, the view ahead
presented our side of the river crowded with rocks, which we could not
pass. The singular ridge already mentioned, presented, however, some
gaps, which afforded passages into that part of the river that was on
the other side of this ridge. We passed through what appeared to us
the safest of these gaps, and soon after found ourselves in smooth but
shallow water: the river hereabouts being not less than five or six
miles broad, and spotted with rocks and little green islands and ridges.
Soon after, a boat ahead grounded, and stuck fast for some time: about
five minutes after, our boat received a violent shock from a rock under
water. The rais put the boat under her foresail only, in order that in
case she struck, it might be with as little force as possible. Shortly
after, it being about an hour before sunset, the rais put to shore to
inquire of the people of the country as to the condition of the river
ahead.

The country we saw this day, on both sides of the river, is a level
plain; only one hill was visible.