ABSTRACT
We left her standing upon the thin peninsula of firm, peaty soi which tapered out into the widespread tog. From the end of it a small wand planted here and there showed where the path zigzagged from tuft to tuft of rushes among those green-scmmed pits and foul quagmires which barred the way to the stranger. Rank reeds and lush, slimy water-plants sent an odour of decay and a heavy miasmatic vapour into our faces, while a false step plunged us more than once thigh-deep into the dark quivering mire, which shook for yards in soft undulations around our feet. Its tenacious grip plucked at our heels as we walked, and when we sank into it it was as if some malignant hand was togging us down into those obscene depths, so grim and purposeful was the clutch in which it held us.
