Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/85

 1837.] By the statement of Lieutenant Collinson, I found that our misfortune was witnessed by the persons in power with the most perfect apathy; and of this I had ocular demonstration in a second mishap.

In the morning we succeeded in passing our whale-boat, which got out well. Kellett followed in his gig, but unfortunately got into a heavy roller, and for some minutes I was at a loss to ascertain who were saved, my attention being directed to Kellett. By great exertion I prevailed on one or two natives to assist the seamen, who, although not more than knee deep, were sinking from exhaustion, and would probably without aid have been carried back by the efflux. I was myself, although fresh, scarcely able to keep my footing, the boulders and sand falling back with such force on the efflux.

During this affair, the commandant stood mute, nor did those under his command offer the slightest assistance. However, their miserable appearance but too truly indicated their utter helplessness and imbecility.

We succeeded in recovering the gig, which was slightly stove, and as we could not get off for several days, we employed ourselves in preparing her for the next attempt.

Every scheme to effect a communication, by casks, rockets, &c., failed, and every attempt to take advantage of a lull proved abortive, although Kellett watched in the water, with the boat afloat, for some hours.