`` But only think how delicious the ham would have been , '' said Kate . Our real troubles began that afternoon . We had not been driving long when the trail swooped down suddenly into a broad depression -- a swamp , so full of mud-holes that there did n't seem to be anything but mud-holes . We pulled through six of them -- but in the seventh we stuck , hard and fast . Pull as our ponies could and did , they could not pull us out . `` What are we to do ? '' I said , becoming horribly frightened all at once . It seemed to me that our predicament was a dreadful one . `` Keep cool , '' said Kate . She calmly took off her shoes and stockings , tucked up her skirt , and waded to the horses ' heads . `` Ca n't I do anything ? '' I implored . `` Yes , take the whip and spare it not , '' said Kate . `` I 'll encourage them here with sundry tugs and inspiriting words . You urge them behind with a good lambasting . '' Accordingly we encouraged and urged , tugged and lambasted , with a right good will , but all to no effect . Our ponies did their best , but they could not pull the democrat out of that slough . `` Oh , what -- '' I began , and then I stopped . I resolved that I would not ask that question again in that tone in that scrape . I would be cheerful and courageous like Kate -- splendid Kate !
`` I shall have XXXXX unhitch them , tie one of them to that stump , and ride off on the other for help , '' said Kate .
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