EPISODES 427 



inward to the length of eighteen leagues, with a breadth 

 of thirteen, gladdened the hearts of all on board, A long 

 range of bold shores bordered it on one side, throwing a 

 deep shadow over the water, which added greatly to the 

 beauty of the scene. On the other side, the mild beams 

 of the autumnal sun glittered on the water, and whitened 

 the sails of the little barks that were sailing to and fro, 

 like so many silvery Gulls. The welcome sight of cattle 

 feeding in cultivated meadows, and of people at their 

 avocations, consoled us for the labors which we had under- 

 gone, and the privations which we had suffered ; and, as 

 the " Ripley " steered her course into a snug harbor that 

 suddenly opened to our view, the number of vessels that 

 were anchored there, and a pretty village that presented 

 itself increased our delight. 



Although the sun was fast approaching the western 

 horizon when our anchor was dropped, no sooner were the 

 sails furled than we all went ashore. There appeared a 

 kind of curious bustle among the people, as if they 

 were anxious to know who we were; for our appearance, 

 and that of our warlike looking schooner showed that we 

 were not fishermen. As we bore our usual arms and 

 hunting accoutrements, which were half Indian and half 

 civilized, the individuals we met on shore manifested con- 

 siderable suspicion, \Vhich our captain observing, he in- 

 stantly made a signal, when the star-spangled banner glided 

 to the mast-head, and saluted the flags of France and Britain 

 in kindly greeting. We were welcomed and supplied with 

 abundance of fresh provisions. Glad at once more stand- 

 ing on something like soil, we passed through the village, 

 and walked round it, but as night was falling were quickly 

 obliged to return to our floating home, where, after a 

 hearty supper, we serenaded with repeated glees the 

 peaceful inhabitants of the village. 



At early dawn I was on deck admiring the scene of in- 

 dustry that presented itself. The harbor was already cov- 



