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48 B the remaining one and myself. There were some Tonkaway Indians on the opposite bank, they seeing our dilemma, made [crossed out: motions] signs that there was a large tree on their side which might be taken to the other, when our companions, Saddles &c could be easily floated over. We took to the water a red muddy stream, and being quite satisfied as to the non-existence of Alligators.

We got safely over & with the assistance of the Indians succeeded in detaching the fallen tree from the bank, when my swimming companion fastened one end of [crosssed out:  a lazo] his [?cabresto?]  to the tree & putting the other in his mouth swam to the opposite side. The horses being unsaddled were drawn into the creek & in a few minutes I had them on terra firma secured. Our non-swimming companions, placed saddles &c on the frail bark & then seated themselves across it, [crossed out: being pulled across] and soon we had them over. When we had concluded saddling up & about starting, black clouds