396 WILD SPOKTS IN THE FAR WEST. 



authorities in Bremerhafen, that the passengers at least, 

 who had nothing to do with the cargo, might be per- 

 mitted to land. Contrary to expectation, the answer 

 was favorable, and next morning a barge, of blessed 

 memory, came alongside, " in which the passengers and 

 baggage " — so ran the order — " were to be thoroughly 

 smoked." 



All our baggage was removed to the barge ; the con- 

 tents were unpacked and spread out, the hatches laid 

 on, a dark powder thrown in, and then something liquid, 

 and the hold was instantaneously filled with a thick 

 smoke. As soon as all the goods' were smoked, the pas- 

 sengers were required to undergo the same process ; and 

 we walked about in tliis dreadful smoke for about a 

 quarter of an hour : my lungs did not get rid of the 

 effects of it for three days after. This ordeal past, we 

 repacked our clothes, and prepared, after our long 

 absence, to tread once more on German ground. We 

 waved a last adieu to our good captain, his officers, and 

 crew, whose conduct could not be too highly praised ; 

 and in a few minutes, with light and joyful hearts, we 

 stepped on the soil of our native land. 



THE END. 



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