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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 motions that there was a large tree on other side which might be taken to the other, when our companions, Saddles &c ? 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 a lazo 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 & on the frail bark & then seated themselves across it, and ? ? had them over. When we had concluded saddling up & about starting, black clouds