THE VOYAGE Ixxix 



head wind and a heavy sea, plates, books, papers, stomachs 

 were being rolled about in sad confusion, we generally managed 

 to lie on our backs, and grin, and try discordant staves of the 

 Flowers of the Forest and the Low-backed Car. We could sing 



and laugh, when we could do nothing else ; though A was 



ready to swear after each fit was past, 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 confession : "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. 



'11.30P.M. 



c 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 

 uncertain 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 <c dirty, little rascal " 

 appearance. He had a sad disappointment at starting. Having 

 been second mate on the last voyage, when the first mate was 

 discharged, he took charge of the Elba all the time she was in 

 port, and of course looked forward to being chief mate this 

 trip. Liddell promised him the post. He had not authority to 

 do this ; and when Newall heard of it, he appointed another 



man. Fancy poor H having told all the men and most of 



all, his sweetheart ! But more remains behind ; for when it 



