NaKRATI\K ok IxMIAMA EXPEDITION. 93 



ance by the perspirinjj; interpreter. The more serious the sit- 

 uation, the more utterly incomprehensible the language of the 

 pilot, and the more completely at sea was the mate, until the 

 hapless interpreter saw with consternation that either his rep- 

 utation or the vessel was to be wrecked, and prompth' aban- 

 doned the former. The pilot then, thanks to a really good 

 knowledge of seamanship. Hew from the wheel to the hal- 

 liards, back to the wheel, and then sprang with marvelous 

 agility to the fore-sheet, main-sheet, jib-sheet, or what not. 

 and thus ran the vessel by himself with a dexterity which cer- 

 tainly could not be surpassed, and a skill that amazed us all. 

 This acrobatic performance ended in our dropping anchor 

 about noon in a quiet little harbor at the end of a deep bay, 

 affording an excellent protection against storms from any 

 direction except due north. 



The scene was one of ideal tropical beauty. To the west 

 were high banks and rolling grassy hills, dotted here and there 

 with tall palms. Eastward w^as a sombre mangrove swamp, 

 with its mysterious shades and skeleton network of sprawling 

 roots rising from the still water. To the south were undulating 

 hills, with immense sugar plantations, and beyond, the noble 

 chain of mountains, their sharp peaks piercing above the heavy 

 and ominous bank of dark clouds, from which the mutterings 

 of the coming storm could be heard. Soon the rain was fall- 

 ing as if the " windows of heaven were opened." and all hands 

 were driven below to escape a drenching. 



As is usual with these tierce squalls, the storm soon passed, 

 and was succeeded b}- a calm and the Cuban mosquitoes, which 

 came in swarms to sample the blood of the lowans. 



But other matters soon demanded our attention. A small 

 boat made its appearance, with a man who introduced himself 

 as the second in command at that port ( there was only one 

 habitable house visible), and politelv informed us that our 

 party could not land \Nithout a permit from the Captain of the 

 Port, who resided in a village •• una legua " distant. Previous 

 knowledge of the Spanish league had taught me that it might 

 he anywhere from two to eight miles, but Captain Flowers and 



