PREPARING TO START. 



19 



scarcely credible^ for it is well known they go by 

 land, and have to encounter the dangers of a 

 distracted country, where many robberies are 

 committed by the Gauchos, and deserters fre- 

 quently to be met with. Passports are to be pro- 

 cured to carry you through the Brazilian line ; 

 then nothing further is required, but to make the 

 best of your way. Wishing myself to avoid such 

 a disagreeable journey, I had laid my plans to 

 endeavour to get on board the packet when dark 

 came on; so when that time arrived I crept 

 silently along to the sea-side, passing the cen- 

 tinels very well till I came to the mole-head, and 

 was just on the point of stepping into the boat, 

 when one of them perceiving my intentions, 

 frustrated all my plans, and it was with great 

 difficulty I evaded being sent to the guard-house. 

 Thus was my object defeated : two minutes sooner 

 would have saved me the very unpleasant jour- 

 ney I went through. 



June 2Srd. Employed ourselves preparing to 



c2 



