156 THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA. 



which was clone, and the latter spread his coat upon 

 the deck and laid down, while I administered the 

 remedies. I next went in search of the fireman, 

 whom I soon found, and put under treatment also. 

 Our boat was going on swimmingly, and soon my 

 patients were in the same condition, for the perspi- 

 ration started out in large drops, and they were then 

 relieved. Eight miles below, at Ahorca Legata, the 

 steamer was to stop and take on some more men, 

 that being a railroad station also, and by this time, 

 the Captain was again able to take the helm. About 

 the same number were taken on board here, and 

 with low water in the boiler, the word was hurried- 

 ly given to cast off; but the substitute for an en- 

 gineer was unable to start the engine forward, the 

 current caught the bow, and in a moment we were 

 swept close in shore, beneath an overhanging tree, 

 which struck the smoke-pipe, and it came tumbling 

 down among us ; but being expert at the dodge, all 

 hands escaped. To let off the steam and put out the 

 fires, was now the only alternative. This being done, 

 with the help of the passengers, the pipe was again 

 . raised, the boiler filled, and the fire re-kindled. We 

 were flattering ourselves with the prospect of being 

 soon. again under w.ay, when, lo ! the packing flew 

 out, and away escaped the steam as fast as generated. 

 To cool off was again indispensably necessary, in or- 

 der to re-pack the boiler-head, and this measure in- 

 volved a consumption of fuel which rendered it ne- 

 cessary to "wood up" before leaving. To do this the 

 Captain and one hand went ashore in the only small 



