Page:Henryk Sienkiewicz - Her Tragic Fate.djvu/170

168 HER TRAGIC FATE. of importance near Borowina, which was situ- ated some twelve hours' ride from either. Un- fortunately, the road ran through meadow- land, woods and places where stagnant water was abundant. Some persons who would not await the common start, had disappeared without a trace. Later, the remaining settlers reached the place and pitched their tents in the woods. In truth, at their arrival they were disap- pointed at the appearance of the place. They had hoped for open land and some forest, but found that they were required to clear the primitive forest. Black oaks, redwood, light platanes and dark sycamores stood close to- gether, as a firm mass. This wilderness bore no promising appearance; the ground was covered with moss, and high up the tenacious vines spun their net around the trees, forming a living bridge, a dense infiltration almost en-