Our progress along this by-road was slow. There was no white dust upon
the path to guide us. We had to grope our way as well as we could
between the zigzag fences. Now and then our horses stumbled in the deep
ruts made by the wood-wagons, and it was with difficulty we could force
them forward.
My companion seemed to manage better than I, and whipped his horse
onward as if he were more familiar with the path, or else more reckless!
I wondered at this without making any remark.
After half-an-hour's struggling we reached the angle of the rail-fence,
where the enclosure ended and the woods began. Another hundred yards
brought us under the shadow of the tall timber; where we reined up to
take breath, and concert what was next to be done.