Our horses were by now very tired, and for one moment it seemed to hang in the balance whether we should roll back into the water or gain the top.

The good animals, however, responded to the whip, plunged forward, and finally pulled up at a house dimly outlined in the gloom.

In response to our call, a dripping sentry peered out, and told us it was, as we hoped, Wolhuter's store, and that he would call the proprietor.

Many minutes elapsed, during which intense stillness prevailed, seeming to emphasize how desolate a spot we had reached, and broken only by the splash of the heavy rain.

Then the door opened, and a man appeared to be coming at last, only to disappear again in order to fetch coat and umbrella.