Beyond this hill we could not
see, and we therefore directed our course up the banks of the rivulet
towards the foot of it, intending to climb to the top, should that be
possible, as, indeed, we had no doubt it was.
Jack being the wisest and boldest among us, took the lead, carrying the
axe on his shoulder. Peterkin, with his enormous club, came second, as
he said he should like to be in a position to defend me if any danger
should threaten. I brought up the rear, but, having been more taken up
with the wonderful and curious things I saw at starting than with
thoughts of possible danger, I had very foolishly left my club behind
me. Although, as I have said, the trees and bushes were very luxuriant,
they were not so thickly crowded together as to hinder our progress
among them. We were able to wind in and out, and to follow the banks of
the stream quite easily, although, it is true, the height and thickness
of the foliage prevented us from seeing far ahead. But sometimes a
jutting-out rock on the hillsides afforded us a position whence we
could enjoy the romantic view and mark our progress towards the foot of
the hill. I was particularly struck, during the walk, with the richness
of the undergrowth in most places, and recognised many berries and
plants that resembled those of my native land, especially a tall,
elegantly formed fern, which emitted an agreeable perfume. There were
several kinds of flowers, too, but I did not see so many of these as I
should have expected in such a climate.
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