He seemed a little reluctant, at first, to step into the water.

However, he soon went in, and walked over, and Oliver fastened him to a tree, so that he could stand upon the bare piece of ground.

Jonas then pulled the sleigh out of the road, so that it should not be in the way, if any body should come along with any other team; then he bade Oliver good-by, and went on alone.
Jonas traveled along, as well as he could, through the snow, though he found it very laborious walking.

In some places, he found hard footing for some distance; but then he would sink down again for several successive steps.

After a short distance, he got out of the deep drift, which had prevented the horse from going on, and then he could advance faster.