Page:Colymbia (1873).djvu/250

244 was a fine ship, beautifully rigged and with a well-shaped hull. The light breeze that scarcely ruffled the surface of the ocean caused her to move but slowly, and we had to wait long before she came within hailing distance. We lay with our heads above the surface of the water watching her steady advance, and when she was within fifty yards of where we lay, I was horrified to observe a man at the bow deliberately covering us with a rifle, I shouted as loud as I could, "Hollo! there: don't fire," when he dropped his weapon, and responded, "Kreuzdonnerwetter! I dought you was seals." "Well, now you see we are not," said I, as we came alongside; "so let down something that we may come on board." "Not so fast, young man, how shall I know you are not birates, mit dese sharp bikes in your hands; berhaps you vill kill us all and dake my ship." "Never fear," I said; "we are quite innocent of any piratical intentions, our weapons are only to protect us from the sharks; and what could we do against all your crew?"

The captain, for such was the rank of our questioner, reassured by what I said, ordered one of the sailors to let down a rope-ladder, by means of which we all scrambled on board. I briefly explained that I was an Englishman, and wished for a passage on board his ship to some port whence I could embark for my native country. I introduced my companions, who, I explained, had only accompanied me in order to see me safe on board, and who had no intention of remaining with me in the ship.

The captain who was a good fellow, with a rough exterior, willingly consented to give me a passage in