1 695-] A FLOAT OF WEEDS. 185 



corner of our Hut, that we might be able to defend our 

 selves, when we were so accus'd. In a word, we forgot 

 nothing that might disswade him from so unfortunate a 

 Eesolution, but all we could say, was to little purpose. He 

 work'd alone at his Float, no body being willing to assist him 

 in making an Instrument for his Destruction^: He made it of 

 bundles of Weeds and Poles bound together, but which was 

 done very ill, and it would not liave been better if we had 

 assisted him. He nevertheless resolv'd to make use of it, 

 and told us at parting, that he would not fail to appear every 

 Month upon one of the Mountains over against the Eock, 

 where he would make a fire at the beginning of the Night, 

 that should precede or follow the Full-Moon ; that if we 

 continu'd in the same place, we should answer him by a like 

 Signal, or otherwise he should take such neglect for a Token 

 that we were a-shoar, and consequently would meet us soon 

 after at a place agreed upon ; but withal, assur'd us, that so 

 soon as ever he could spy any Vessel in what part of the Isle 

 soever, he would certainly get on board her if possible.^ The 

 set time for his Departure being come, he fasten'd his Float by 

 a stake near our Hut, and came to take his leave of us ; but 

 whilst he was longer than ordinary in acquainting us with 



1 " From neighbouring woods he interlaced 

 His sorry skiff with wattled willows ; 

 And thus equipped he would have pass'd 

 The foaming billows. 



" But Frenchmen caught him on the beach, 

 His little Argo sorely jeering ; 

 Till tidings of him chanced to reach 

 Napoleon's hearing. 



" Rash man, that wouldst yon channel pass 

 On twigs and staves so rudely fashioned, 

 Thy heart with some fair English lass 

 Must be impassioned." 



(T. Campbell, Napoleon and the Sailor.) 

 2 In orig. : " Sccrettement," omitted by translator. 



