Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/81

 1837.] this season too every thing appeared to disadvantage, the atmosphere being hazy, and the vegetation parched; they were also burning the trees, &c., to clear and manure, and the temperature was sultry in the extreme.

About seven we reached the village of Hojia, but hardly had we made our calculations on reaching the city of San Salvador, at nine, when the sound of thunder and the appearance of heavy black clouds caused us to pause. Our guide also made his preparations for the coming storm with so much determination, by unsaddling and packing our baggage under the centre of an open horse-shed, that it was received by us as a signal for no further remonstrance.

Thunder, lightning, and rain we had in profusion. But there are few evils without some trifling loophole through which comfort may be derived, or at all events imagined, by those in the humour to make the best of all disasters. The change of temperature was a great relief, and we consoled ourselves by looking forward to the enjoyments of a cool ride when the clouds should have passed. The only shelter we had was shared with our mules; and, perched on our respective saddles and baggage, aided by Indian corn leaves, we were glad to sup on a couple of eggs, and a plaintain each, not having touched food since six

After enjoying sundry naps in every imaginable position, interrupted by the encroachment of a leak at one time, or the too near approach of the nose of I.