238 CENTRAL AMERICA. 



out of water, swimming round the canoe, and 

 when one of the men waded out to bring me my 

 dinner, I shot right and left at two that were 

 going towards him. He would not go back 

 alone, but said, when they were all together 

 there was not much fear ; but they always 

 go on shore with naked swords in their 

 hands. 



The wind at this time of the year blowing 

 off the shore, we were able sometimes to use a 

 square lug-sail, hoisted on a spar, without stay 

 or support of any kind, but the hallyard 

 made fast to windward, and the description 

 of one day's living will serve for all. 



An hour before sunrise, up anchor and 

 away; just as the sun rose the men left off 

 pulling, and, with all heads uncovered, the 

 patron commenced prayers in a half-chaunt- 

 ing voice, which was now and then re- 

 sponded to by the crew : they then sung a 

 hymn in very fair time and tune, but in 

 unison, and after it was concluded, had a 

 ration of spirits served out equally. The 

 voyage was then proceeded with, either by 

 rowing or sailing, until about seven or eight 

 o'clock, according to the convenience of a 

 spot for cooking breakfast. A sandy spot 

 was always chosen, and while two or three 



