SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR. 159 



skipper was uneasy, and anxious again for a glimpse of 

 the old familiar sun. 



One of our sails had been blown to ribbons, and our 

 bowsprit became partially sprung, still as long as we 

 had plenty of sea-room, all was comparatively safe ; 

 sailors' ingenuity had obviated temporarily the injury 

 of the latter, and the sail room had supplied fresh 

 canvas. The fourth evening the gale exhausted itself 

 about midnight, and I, who had not closed an eye during 

 these days, experienced a few hours of the balmiest 

 sleep that ever fell to the lot of storm-tossed mariner, 

 notwithstanding that there was not a dry stitch, even 

 among the bedding, on board the Alert. How often 

 do I think of the affectionate, kind mother of my 

 childhood, and her anxiety that her boy should not 

 sleep in damp sheets ! Could she see or know the trials 

 arid hardships which he, with others, has encountered 

 in his journey through life, her maternal solicitude 

 would receive a severe shock. Truly, the journey of 

 life is a rough path, made up of storms and sunshine, 

 wintry snows and tropical showers ; one time ascend- 

 ing hills, the next descending ; fortune smiling to-day, 

 frowning to-morrow ; ignorant of what the future has 

 in store for us ; but, doubtless, all is for the best, and 

 those troubles and temptations which in our spleen we 

 grumble at, are but intended to fit us for our ultimate 



