THE LAST CRUISE OF THE MIRANDA. 



125 



closed ; and, to add to onr discomfort, the stove in tlie 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 



