As we advanced it grew deeper and deeper, and we expected every moment to have our horses taken off their legs; still it would not do to turn back.  Our greatest chance of safety lay in pushing forward.  The cool water restored strength to our beasts, and, sagaciously leaning over against the current, they soon got across the deep part.  We had now no further difficulty, and in a few minutes landed safely on the opposite side.  Fortunately there was plenty of fresh herbage, and we allowed the animals to crop it, while we sat down and discussed some of the pemmican with which, by Mike's forethought, we had provided ourselves.  Without it we should have starved; for we could find nothing eatable anywhere around.  As night was approaching, and our horses were too much knocked up to go further, we resolved to remain on the bank of the river till the morning.  We accordingly hobbled the animals, and then looked about for some place which might afford us shelter.