Page:Monthly scrap book, for May.pdf/6

6 THE MONTHLY In this way I passed an entire month. From the moment I entered Hendrick's house, to the day of my departure, I never enjoyed the full use, of my reason for three hours together. At length, in moment of ebriety, I resolved to return, and intimated my resolution to Hendrick and his family over a pipe. They all strongly opposed my intention, but finding me bent on going the next morning, it was unanimously agreed that the nigh should be passed in drinking. My young friend offered to accompany me some distance homewards even Hendrick volunteered his services for a day's ride; I was besought to accept of a horse; but such was my vanity and self-conceit, that I considered these proffers as indirect aspersions on my courage and strength, and obstinately refused them all. I had travelled over the same ground but a month before, and thought it would be impossible for me to mistake the great, landmarks, and my inebriety rendered me proof against the apprehensions of danger. At length the dawn shone in upon us, and betrayed the disgusting relics of our nocturnal debauch. We hastened into the open air, and made slight meal on some slices of the the hippoppotamus, which looked and tasted very much like pork. Hendrick put a lighted pipe in my mouth; and, with his whole family, accompanied me to the verge of his little domain; where, previous to bidding me, perhaps an eternal farewell, he gave me a few words of advice, which, he said, might be of service to me in the deserts. "If you should happen to meet with a lion in your path," said he, "don't be daunted, but look him