Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/84

 30 are abundant, and, although in a state of civil war, the toils of clearing the soil of wood, by fire and axe, are still in activity.

On reaching the highest point of the ridge, which commands the sea as well as the surrounding mountains, we had anticipated a grand treat, ])ut the action of the sun on the recently saturated earth had clothed all in vapour.

At a stream, half the distance down, we stopped to take our luncheon, which we enjoyed under the shadow of an immense tree overhanging the stream. Our poor beasts, however, were grievously tormented by their enemies, the horse-flies, which caused them literally to flow with blood, but more particularly about the head and neck.

About two o'clock, as we neared the beach, I perceived Lieutenant Collinson awaiting my arrival. His presence on shore, backed by the expression of his countenance, foretold disaster; and I very shortly learned that my gig had been overwhelmed in the surf, and my coxswain drowned. This was a severe blow to me, as I had never before lost a man since I held a command.

On our arrival at the beach, I found no less than fourteen hands on shore, and not the slightest chance of passing the surf. We Mere compelled patiently to await the following dawn, at which moment the sea, owing to the land breeze blowing during the night, and until six in the morning, usually overcomes the impetus given by the sea breeze of the day.