Page:The Rambler in Mexico.djvu/27

Rh of indecision, when it was suspected that we were missing the narrow passage and driving to destruction. There was an instant when we seemed on the point of being overwhelmed by the huge masses of foam which rose like columns on either hand, and took the wind out of the sail. In fact, we gave the southern breakers a very perilous shave; yet all sat steady, and in another minute, the bar and the gulf were behind us, and we were passing with wind and tide up the river Panuco.

How beautiful appeared those green and wooded shores—how delicious the perfume from the scented mimosa bushes on the banks—how welcome the sight of the firm land and its habitations!

A sail of six miles brought us after dark to the new town. I believe the most heedless of us felt his heart swell with emotion of gratitude to God for our deliverance. Before us, the setting sun glistened sweetly on all objects—while behind, it lighted up the white bar, over which we could discern the masts of the Halcyon as she stood in relief, against the dark curtain of clouds thickening in the windward. We met a boat load of water going out to her under the care of the supercargo; but it never reached her, as by the time they got to the bar, the night and coming storm forbade the attempt; and I may at once mention, that long before dawn, the ill-fated Halcyon, without bread, water, and with all her passengers, save eight, who contrived, like ourselves, to land, had been compelled once more to spread her wings, and to speed on the breath of a second violent norte out to sea; and that ten days elapsed before we heard of her third approach to the coast.

This trial was spared De Pourtales, M'Euen, and your humble servant; and we never forgot to bless God, day by day, for it. At the same time we had our trial, being reduced to one shirt a piece, and to a state of great impatience, which is not to be wondered at when you learn that we were here in a position where we could neither advance nor recede, that the period of three short months was all which our other