108 MEMOIR OF FLEEMING JENKIN 



that that was the first time he had felt anything, 

 and at this moment would declare in broad Scotch 

 that he 'd never been sick at all, qualifying the 

 oath with " except for a minute now and then." 

 He brought a cornet-a-piston to practise on, having 

 had three weeks' instructions on that melodious 

 instrument ; and if you could hear the horrid 

 sounds that come ! especially at heavy rolls. When 

 I hint he is not improving, there comes a con- 

 fession : " I don't feel quite right yet, you see ! " 

 But he blows away manfully, and in self-defence 

 I try to roar the tune louder. 



^11.30 P.M. 



' Long past Cape St. Vincent now. We went 

 within about 400 yards of the cliffs and lighthouse 

 in a calm moonlight, with porpoises springing from 

 the sea, the men crooning long ballads as they lay 

 idle on the forecastle, and the sails flapping un- 

 certain on the yards. As we passed, there came a 

 sudden breeze from land, hot and heavy scented ; 

 and now, as I write, its warm rich flavour contrasts 

 strongly with the salt air we have been breathing. 



' I paced the deck with H , the second mate, 



and in the quiet night drew a confession that he 

 was engaged to be married, and gave him a world 

 of good advice. He is a very nice, active, little 

 fellow, with a broad Scotch tongue and " dirty, 

 little rascal " appearance. He had a sad disappoint- 



