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Show 804 PERSONAL ADVENTURES along the road. This I willino·ly did. and b ' ' perceiving shortly afterwards a convenient descent to the brink of the river, where I could afford it and the one I rode an opportunity of slaking their thirst, I led them down and allowed them to drink until they appeared satisfied. On clambering up the bank of the river again, I found no traces of my comvanions; but, judging that they would continue along the water-side, I pursued n1y way for a couple of miles, until I came to a spot where the water was very shallow offerino· ' O' through an opening in the banks on both sides, a convenient passage for a waggon. !-Iere then I paused awhile, then dashed over, aud, ascending the opposite path, soon found myself entering on a vast plain, on whjch there were no signs of my party visible. Nevertheless, I pursued the iudistinct path before tne, until it altogether disappeared, when I thought it prudent to retrace my steps to the spot from ·which I had first started on the opposite side, supposing that 1ny friends Inight have discovered a yet rnore convenient IN CALIFORNIA. 305 crossing-place. I galloped forward along the bank, until I came to the ledge of a precipice overlooking the river, and which seemed to continue for several rniles straight onwards; but, as I perceived no track of travellers, nor any sign of another ford, I rnaJe up rny mind to recross the river for the last time, and, risking r.onsequences, to pursue the track I had discovered. This I accordingly did, travelling onwards in n1uch perplexity and anxiety of mind, until I fell in with the remains of an encampment, w·here several logs were yet burning, and where, had the hour heen more advanced, I should certainly have taken up my lodging for the night. The party must have been a large one, for the ground was well trodden down; but I felt certain it could not be mine as the embers indicated that the halt ' had taken place the evening before; still, I rejoiced at the discovery, as it led me to hope I was not far out of the track. I determined therefore to proceed, but, before doing so, retraced my steps for about half a mile, when I heard a n1an shouting; and, looking |