12 WILD SPORTS IN THE FAR WEST. 



tliey were allowed by their rabbins, at least so tliey 

 avowed, to eat bacon during the voyage, and most of 

 them had so far availed themselves of the privilege, as, 

 if not to overload the stomach, at least to take in a very 

 plentiful supply of the beautiful sweet bacon that was 

 served out to us. Punishment trod on the heels of 

 crime ; there was not a corner of the ship unoccupied 

 by a sick Israelite with a tin basin, or one despairingly 

 leaning over the side and squaring accounts with 

 Neptune. 



H., the doctor, and myself were quite well, and not 

 a little did we quiz the poor wretches, who were already 

 sufficiently tormented. The following day it rained 

 hard ; the confined space, with all these sufferers, was 

 almost insupportable — yet it was very disagreeable to 

 get wet through on deck — I was wretched. 



About noon on Sunday, some groups formed here 

 and there ; people began to feel that it was a misery 

 not to associate, — yet a sudden qualm would often end 

 a conversation begun in mirth. Some of the most 

 resolute began to creep on deck again, but often had to 

 pay dearly for their temerity, when a heavy sea broke 

 over the ship, and wet to the skin all within its course. 

 I never before knew the real advantage of a cloak. In 

 the evening it cleared up, and I made my way forward 

 amongst the crew to listen to their songs and stories. 



On the follovring day the sea was heavier, and sick- 

 ness at its height. I was quite disgusted, and climbed 

 up the rigging to the top to get rid of it, and remained 

 there till the cook's magic word announced something 

 warm for the inner man, though very few of the pas- 

 sengers responded to the call. 



