It grows in long thread-like tendrils, as thick
as whip cord, armed with myriads of sharp hooked thorns turned
backwards. The tendrils grow hundreds of feet in length, stretching from
branch to branch, and often forming a maze or web extending over a large
area. A person getting entangled in their embraces rarely escapes with a
whole skin, and never with a whole coat.
We returned the evening of the third day as black as sloes, and with
only a few shreds of singed clothes on our backs, thoroughly worn out
with hard walking and insufficient sustenance. We remained one day for
repairs and then, in company with Brand, had a glorious sail down the
lake to Wynne's station.
Our return journey to Christchurch was without incident save one, worth
mentioning. This was where we were both nearly drowned crossing the
Lindis in a flood.
Moorehouse, I believe, sold his interest in the Wanaka district for a
song.
CHAPTER XVIII.
DEATH OF PARKER--ROYAL MAIL ROBBED BY A CAT--MEET WITH ACCIDENT
CROSSING RIVER.
During our absence a sad occurrence took place, which I will record
here. A Mr. Parks, a Government surveyor, and well-to-do sheep farmer on
the Ashburton, had been engaged during the previous year in making
surveys on the Rakia and Ashburton, and on his staff was a young man
named Parker.
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