232 BIBD-LIFE OF THE BORDERS. 



in fact all open boats, are unmercifully wet in a gale at sea. 

 Many a day which opens auspiciously with a bright morning, 

 a calm sea, and a fine land-breeze, ends in a wet and miser- 

 able scuttle back to harbour in the teeth of a nor' -caster, 

 with three reefs in, and an angry sea playing upon us in 

 pelting cascades like the jets of a fire brigade. 



