Livingstone, who had been sunk up to his chest in this slime, compared these grounds to a collection of enormous sponges, made of black, porous earth, from which numerous streams of water spouted when they were stepped upon.
These places were always very dangerous.
For the space of half a mile Dick Sand and his companions must march over this spongy soil.

It even became so bad that Mrs.Weldon was obliged to stop, for she sank deep in the mire.

Hercules, Bat, and Austin, wishing to spare her the unpleasantness more than the fatigue of a passage across this marshy plain, made a litter of bamboos, on which she consented to sit.

Her little Jack was placed in her arms, and they endeavored to cross that pestilential marsh in the quickest manner.
The difficulties were great.

Acteon held Cousin Benedict firmly.