We were soon placed in the canoes, and paddled across to the opposite bank.

Next, the horses were swum across--after them was to come the carriage.

Two long wooden canoes were securely lashed together side by side, and being of sufficient width to admit of the carriage standing within them, the passage was commenced.
Again and again the tottering barks would sway from side to side, and a cry or a shout would arise from our party on shore, as the whole mass seemed about to plunge sideways into the water, but it would presently recover itself, and at length, after various deviations from the perpendicular, it reached the shore in safety.
We now hoped that our troubles were at an end, and that we had nothing to do but to mount and trot on as fast as possible to Fort Winnebago.
But no.

Half a mile farther on was a formidable swamp, of no great width it is true, but with a depth of from two to three feet of mud and water.
It was a question whether, with the carriage, we could get through it at all.

Several of the Indians accompanied us to this place, partly to give us their aid and counsel, and partly to enjoy the fun of the spectacle.
On reaching the swamp, we were disposed to laugh at the formidable representations which had been made to us.