Two tree-covered islands seemed to be much nearer to the water than the shore on which we were, so we made an attempt to get to them first.

It was not the reeds alone we had to pass through; a peculiar serrated grass, which at certain angles cut the hands like a razor, was mingled with the reed, and the climbing convolvulus, with stalks which felt as strong as whipcord, bound the mass together.

We felt like pigmies in it, and often the only way we could get on was by both of us leaning against a part and bending it down till we could stand upon it.

The perspiration streamed off our bodies, and as the sun rose high, there being no ventilation among the reeds, the heat was stifling, and the water, which was up to the knees, felt agreeably refreshing.

After some hours' toil we reached one of the islands.