285 / 



But in this expectation we were grievouf- 

 !y difappointed. The retreat of the fun was 

 \ fucceeded by heavy torrents of rain ; and in- 

 ftead of our being able to return upon deck, 

 all the other paffengers were driven below* 

 crowding both the cabin and hatch-way, fo as 

 to threaten us with the pains of fuffbcation. 

 Every old cheft and trunk now cracked with 

 the weight of fome one haftening down to 

 efcape from the rain ; and, quickly, no lefs than 

 feven or eight perfons, were crowded into this 

 contracted hole of fpiders and vermin, com- 

 mitting depredations upon their net-work 

 hangings, and tearing down the ftrong ham- 

 mocks in which for years paft, they had rett- 

 ed undifturbed. The whole hoft was thus 

 put to flight. All the living things of the ca- 

 bin feemed to be let loofe in alarm. Numerous 

 flocks of old fpiders, overgrown cockroaches, 

 rats, ants, and other travellers, ran diftracted- 

 ]y about the births, kicking up their heels in 

 our faces, and fcampering, without ceremony, 

 over every part of our perfons. 



Nor was this the worft of our troubles, 

 for, on account of the rain, and from fome of 

 the Creoles, who were Rationed about the open- 



