Page 40 - erewhon

from falling into the water, of which there was no great vol-
ume, but it had such force that I could do nothing against
it; once I had to leap down a not inconsiderable waterfall
into a deep pool below, and my swag was so heavy that I
was very nearly drowned. I had indeed a hair’s-breadth es-
cape; but, as luck would have it, Providence was on my side.
Shortly afterwards I began to fancy that the rift was get-
ting wider, and that there was more brushwood. Presently I
found myself on an open grassy slope, and feeling my way a
little farther along the stream, I came upon a flat place with
wood, where I could camp comfortably; which was well, for
it was now quite dark.
My first care was for my matches; were they dry? The
outside of my swag had got completely wet; but, on undo-
ing the blankets, I found things warm and dry within. How
thankful I was! I lit a fire, and was grateful for its warmth
and company. I made myself some tea and ate two of my
biscuits: my brandy I did not touch, for I had little left, and
might want it when my courage failed me. All that I did, I
did almost mechanically, for I could not realise my situation
to myself, beyond knowing that I was alone, and that return
through the chasm which I had just descended would be
impossible. It is a dreadful feeling that of being cut off from
all one’s kind. I was still full of hope, and built golden cas-
tles for myself as soon as I was warmed with food and fire;
but I do not believe that any man could long retain his rea-
son in such solitude, unless he had the companionship of
animals. One begins doubting one’s own identity.
I remember deriving comfort even from the sight of my