214 APPROACH OF THE RAINY SEASON. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Approach of the Rainy Season. — Return of Sarsjield — Pre- 

 text for Departure — Credulity and Terror of the King. — 

 Preparations for leaving Fundah. — Description of the City. 

 — Its Population, 8^c. — Character of the King. — Amuse- 

 ments of Fundah. — Its Manufactures. — The River Shary. 

 — Opinion respecting its Source, 



The rainy season was now fast approaching, 

 and tornadoes occurred almost every night. The 

 thatch of the verandah under which I lay admit- 

 ted the rain in all directions ; and having no 

 water-proof covering to my hammock, I was fre- 

 quently soaked before morning. I did what I 

 would recommend others to do in a similar situ- 

 ation, that is, to smoke continually, and take 

 large doses of opium ; and at sunrise spread 

 everything out to dry. After one of these tor- 

 nadoes I had a narrow escape, which I shall not 

 easily forget. It was my custom, at sunrise, to 

 be lifted out of my hammock, and laid on a 



