A CRUISE IN A WHALEBOAT. 237 



while snugly stowed away under the bulwarks of 

 an old lime-juicer. " There is a French settle- 

 ment there, and the captain had told us, on com- 

 .ii to anchor, that this was our appointed liberty 

 } hu-e, informing us at the same time with a tri- 

 umphant grin, that he was well acquainted with 

 the commandant, and that if any of us felt inclir ed 

 for an excursion into the country, we might make 

 sure of a safe escort back within forty-eight hom* 

 after our departure from the ship. 



" Six of us, including one of the boatsteerers, 

 had made up our minds to run away at all haz- 

 ards ; but we now found our purpose completely 

 frustrated, at least so far as taking refuge on shore 

 was concerned. Upon consultation, we resolved 

 upon the rather desperate measure of going off 

 in one of the ship's boats. But where to ? Johanna 

 and Zanzibar were suggested, as being the nearest 

 poiits; but the first was a regular resort for whale- 

 men, where we would no doubt be detained, and 

 the last was too far off, while in addition there 

 was an American Consul there, into whose clutches 

 it would not do to fall. We finally concluded that 

 Mozambique was the only safe ^)lace for us, and 

 although this would be a long passage to make in 

 an open boat, WQ determined to try it. 



" Three days and nights were consumed in 

 preparation. A considerable stock of bread and 

 oiolas&ee was provided, with a very little salt 

 j-*rl, this being too great an incentive to thirst to 

 bo of mud use to us. The water breakers in the 



