Page:Suakin, 1885.djvu/27

 speed is limited to five miles an hour, and setting aside constant stoppages, the risk of running aground, and the compulsory halts for the night after 6 p.m., there is nothing to relieve the monotony of the surrounding scenery. The canal is hemmed in by banks on each side, and as these are in many places high, a sense of breathlessness and suffocation is experienced. We were very unfortunate, as we had only reached the first Gare, some seven miles from Port Said, when the vessel in front of us went aground, and in spite of much tugging and hauling could not be got off again. There was nothing for it then but to make the best of it, so, having made fast to the banks, we took our men ashore in squads of twenty and practised them firing at some extemporized targets in the shape of old biscuit-boxes. This kept us employed till dark, when we returned on board hoping for better luck next day. There are some curious anomalies regarding the navigation of the canal. If a ship goes aground those behind it must stop too, though there is often plenty of room to pass. If demurrage is claimed by the owners of the vessels thus delayed the sum realized goes to the Canal Company. Again, the company compel every vessel to take one of their pilots;