Accidents > Dangers of the deep, or, Narratives of shipwreck and adventure at sea

214 SUFFERINGS AMONG THE INDIANS.
fell off a tree that crossed the road, into a
very deep swamp, where I very narrowly
escaped drowning, hy the weight of the bur¬
then I had on my head. It was a long while
before I could extricate myself from this dif¬
ficulty ; and when I did, my strength was
quite exhausted. I sat down under a tree,
and there gave way to melancholy reflections.
However, as I was sensible these reflections
would answer no end, they did not last long.
I got up, and marking a great tree, I there de¬
posited my load, not being able to carry it any
farther, and set out to join my company.
It was some hours before I reached my com¬
panions. I found them sitting under a tree,
and set myself down by them without speak
ing a word; nor did they speak to me, as 1
remember, for some time; when Captain
Cheap, breaking silence, began to ask after
the seal and piece of canvas. I told him
the disaster I had met with, which he might
have easily guessed by the condition the rags
I had on were in, as well as having my feet
and ancles cut to pieces : hut instead of com¬
passion for my sufferings, I heard nothing but
grumbling from every one, for the irrepara¬
ble loss they had sustained by me. I made