For the first time I began to think Saskatchewan beautiful , with those far-reaching parklike meadows dotted with the white-stemmed poplars , the distant bluffs bannered with the airiest of purple hazes , and the little blue lakes that sparkled and shimmered in the sunlight on every hand . The only thing approaching an adventure that day happened in the afternoon when we reached a creek which had to be crossed . `` We must investigate , '' said Kate decidedly . `` It would never do to risk getting mired here , for this country is unsettled and we must be twenty miles from another human being . '' Kate again removed her shoes and stockings and puddled about that creek until she found a safe fording place . I am afraid I must admit that I laughed most heartlessly at the spectacle she presented while so employed . `` Oh , for a camera , Kate ! '' I said , between spasms . Kate grinned . `` I do n't care what I look like , '' she said , `` but I feel wretchedly unpleasant . This water is simply swarming with wigglers . '' `` Goodness , what are they ? '' I exclaimed . `` Oh , they 're tiny little things like leeches , '' responded Kate . `` I believe they develop into mosquitoes later on , bad ` cess to them . What Mr. Nash would call my pedal extremities are simply being devoured by the brutes . Ugh ! I believe the bottom of this creek is all soft mud . We may have to drive -- no , as I 'm a living , wiggler-haunted human being , here 's firm bottom . Hurrah , Phil , we 're all right ! ''
In a few minutes we were past the creek and bowling merrily XXXXX our way .
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