SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR. 157 



word again. The vortex of the storm soon afterwards 

 passed to leeward, and we were safe ; but this swearer 

 changed not from his evil habit, but, if anything, 

 swore more. On another occasion, proceeding from 

 Malta to Naples, I encountered a gregali or levanter 

 a violent description of storm frequent in that portion of 

 the globe. The vessel I had shipped in was a small brig, 

 of Trieste, manned by Albanians, Greeks, and Italians. 

 As soon as our position became one of danger, all 

 appeared paralysed and incapable, through fear, of per- 

 forming the slightest duties. In the after part of the 

 brig a niche was fitted up with some pictures of the 

 Virgin, and various saints, with two or three candle- 

 sticks, the whole intended to represent a chapel ; around 

 this the mongrel crew crowded, praying and counting 

 their beads. One who appeared more devout or terrified 

 than the rest, and whom I had previously remarked 

 from his villainous cast of countenance, kept promising 

 in all the most impressive language he could select, 

 silver candlesticks, and other expensive ornaments to 

 the shrine of his patron saint, if he would only inter- 

 pose to save him this time. Three days after we dropped 

 anchor in the Bay of Bays. Giovanni's vows and 

 promises had stirred my curiosity, as I was certain his 

 meagre pay would not fulfil one-half of what he doubt- 

 lessly had intended. Wandering a few days afterwards 



