SAUNTER ON DECK. 83 



could not help associating them together, though 

 they were so different in every outward respect. 

 People, however, will have fancies, generally pos- 

 sessed of as little substance as shadows. 



' The Pacific Ocean in this part of the world, 

 according to my experience, is well named. Our 

 first night on board the sea might, without the 

 slightest exaggeration, have been dubbed a mill- 

 pond. Not a ripple broke the surface, except where 

 a sleek, smooth, well-fed, jolly, India-rubber-looking 

 porpoise tumbled over. Even the habitual long- 

 rolling swell of the ocean was wanting, and our good 

 ship, snorting out her pleasure in loud, sonorous 

 grunts, at the gratification she felt that fine weather 

 was accorded her, made good speed on her journey. 



' A little after six bells had struck in the first 

 watch I sauntered on deck, to enjoy my pipe, stretch 

 my legs, and get a breather before turning in. The 

 full moon, bright and large, shed a delightful ro- 

 mantic light ; and, except the portion of the crew on 

 duty, I was alone. What a night it was ! a hea- 

 venly night, such as one never forgets, but asso- 

 ciates in his mind with fairy-land or the spirit- world. 

 I felt dull, however ; for the scene was too lovely to 

 be enjoyed in solitude. In fact I wished- but what 

 was the use ? for some fair companion, whose arm 

 would rest on mine, in whose eyes I could gaze, and 

 in whose ear I could whisper all the promptings of 

 my better nature. The unknown beauty would, 

 moreover, hover before me. Is she maid or wife? 



