THE LAST CRUISE OF THE MIRAIfDA/ 125 



closed ; and, to add to our discomfortj the stove in the little 

 cabin just in front of our sleeping-apartment in the salt store- 

 room began to pour out volumes of smoke that almost choked 

 us. One wise individual suggested that salt be thrown on 

 the fire to put it out ; the suggestion was acted upon, and 

 immediately several shovelfuls of salt were thrust into the 

 stove; then there issued forth clouds of smoke ten times more 



HOMEWARD BOUND. 



deadly and terrible than before, and as every one gasped for 

 breath many- were the invectives hurled at the head of the un- 

 fortunate man who had suggested this method of putting out 

 a fire. Had he been turned, like Lot's wife, into a pillar of salt, 

 I think we should have all rejoiced. However, gradually 

 the nuisance abated, and although the odor abided with 

 us all night and fought with the fish and bilge-water for 



