The
presence of a responsible white man seemed a rest at once. We had
several more gulches to cross, but none of them were dangerous; and
we rode the last seven miles at a great pace, though the mire and
water were often up to the horses' knees, and came up to Onomea at
full gallop, with spirit and strength enough for riding other twenty
miles. Dry clothing, hot baths, and good tea followed delightfully
upon our drowning ride. I remained over Sunday at Onomea, and
yesterday rode here with a native in heavy rain, and received a warm
welcome. Our adventures are a nine days' wonder, and every one says
that if we had had a white man or an experienced native with us, we
should never have been allowed to attempt the perilous ride. I feel
very thankful that we are living to tell of it, and that Deborah is
not only not worse but considerably better. E--- will expect some
reflections; but none were suggested at the time, and I will not now
invent what I ought to have thought and felt.
Due honour must be given to the Mexican saddle. Had I been on a
side-saddle, and encumbered with a riding-habit, I should have been
drowned. I feel able now to ride anywhere and any distance upon it,
while Miss Karpe, who began by being much stronger than I was, has
never recovered from the volcano ride, and seems quite ill.
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