NEARLY SHIPWRECKED 



inefficient mate were determined to steer a certain 

 course, which, besides increasing the risks of being 

 swamped, would, I was convinced, take us out of the 

 bay into the open sea. Several times the engine was 

 nearly stopped by the water we had taken aboard, 

 and if it had broken down the end would have come 

 quickly. Altogether we were battling with the waves 

 for about seven hours ; then the sky cleared a little, 

 and we were able to make out the coast-line. I was 

 truly grateful when I stepped ashore that night. 



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49 



